Indian Wells 2022: Rafael Nadal vs Dan Evans preview, head-to-head & prediction | BNP Paribas Open

Match details

Fixture: (4) Rafael Nadal vs (27) Dan Evans.

Date: 14 March 2022.

Tournament: BNP Paribas Open.

Round: Third round (Round of 32).

Venue: Indian Wells, USA.

Category: ATP Masters 1000.

Surface: Hardcourt.

Prize money: $8,584,055.

Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Voot.

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Rafael Nadal vs Dan Evans preview

Nadal at the 2022 Indian Wells Masters

21-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will take on Dan Evans in the third round of the 2022 Indian Wells Masters on Monday.

Nadal was thoroughly tested by Sebastian Korda in his second-round match on Saturday. The Spaniard started off strongly, winning the opening set 6-2. But Korda stepped up his game to claim the second set 6-1.

Korda raced to a 5-2 lead in the decider, but Nadal staged a spirited fightback and won the next four games. The American held serve to force a tie-break, but the former World No. 1 prevailed 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(3) in the end.

Dan Evans at the 2022 Indian Wells Masters

Dan Evans had no difficulty getting past Federico Coria in his second-round match at Indian Wells, winning 6-2, 6-0.

The Brit made a strong start to the season by winning all three of his ATP Cup group ties and reaching the semifinals in Sydney.

At the Australian Open, Evans lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime in the third round. The 31-year-old didn't fare well during the Middle East swing, losing in the second round in Qatar while failing to get past the first round in Dubai.

By reaching the third round at Indian Wells, Evans has matched his best result in the Masters 1000 event.

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Rafael Nadal vs Dan Evans head-to-head

Nadal has won both of his previous matches against Evans to lead 2-0 in the head-to-head. He won their most recent encounter in straight sets in the 2019 Davis Cup Finals.

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Rafael Nadal vs Dan Evans prediction

Nadal at the 2022 Abierto Mexicano Telcel

Despite the contrasting nature of their wins in the previous round, Nadal will be the clear favorite heading into this encounter.

Nadal and Evans employ differing playing styles. The Brit relies on a counter-punching game, moving his opponents all over the court. However, Spaniard has excellent court coverage, so that tactic might not prove too effective.

Nadal will use his powerful groundstrokes to push Evans behind the baseline and the Brit might find it difficult to counter the Spaniard's heavy forehand.

Nadal definitely has some work to do following his performance in the previous round, but is likely to get past his British opponent without too much fuss.

Prediction: Rafael Nadal to win in straight sets.