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Rafael Nadal has surpassed Roger Federer's best-ever start to a season over the course of his semi-final run at the Indian Wells Masters. Nadal won his 18th match of the season against Reilly Opelka in the last-16 in Indian Wells, breaking Federer's record of 17 straight wins at the start of the 2018 season.
The Swiss won 17 matches on the trot in 2018. He started the year by winning the Australian Open and followed it up by triumphing at the Rotterdam Open. Federer's winning run came to an end at the Indian Wells Masters, where he lost to Juan Martin del Potro in the final.
The Spaniard reached the fourth round of the competition after beating Sebastian Korda and Dan Evans. Facing Opelka, he beat the American in two sets, both of which were decided by tie-breaks. Nadal sealed his place in the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Masters while also notching up his 18th successive victory of the season. He then beat Nick Kyrgios in three sets to reach the semifinals.
Nadal has had an incredible start to 2022, winning the Australian Open, Mexican Open and the Melbourne Summer Set 1. The Spaniard has now reached his 98th Masters 1000 quarterfinal, the most for any player.
Nadal's start to 2022 is the third-best since 1990, behind Novak Djokovic's starts in 2020 and 2011.
Rafael Nadal faces Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters
Nadal will face compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters. The teenager has had an impressive run in the California desert and ousted defending champion Cameron Norrie to reach his maiden Masters 1000 semifinal. Alcaraz won the match 6-4, 6-3.
Nadal and Alcaraz previously met in the second round of the Madrid Masters last year, with the former winning 6-1, 6-2.
The 18-year-old has won 10 out of 11 matches this season, including his maiden ATP 500 title in Rio, where he defeated Diego Schwartzman in the final.
Also Check Out: Indian Wells Masters 2022 Results
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