Rafael Nadal aiming to find his rhythm at Indian Wells
Fifth-seed could face Roger Federer in fourth round
Monday 13 March 2017 17:19, UK
Rafael Nadal wishes he was in the top half of the draw at ATP Indian Wells Masters with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic potential opponents.
Nadal made light work of Argentina's Guido Pella to secure a third-round tie against fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco and could come up against Federer in the fourth round.
The bottom half of the draw also features fourth seed Kei Nishikori, Nick Kyrgios, Alexander Zverev and Juan Martin del Potro, but that isn't putting the three-time winner of the tournament off in any way.
"It's one of the best events of the season without a doubt," Nadal told Sky Sports' Peter Fleming. "It's tough to find my rhythm because the bounces a lot, while it flies around and is difficult to control but if I'm able to find my rhythm, then the conditions will help.
"If I'm playing well, then I will be able to use my forehand and control the higher ball. I can hit winners without having to take higher risks, so that's always important for me."
And when asked about the draw, he added: "It's obvious that I wish I was in another part of the draw."
Nadal was pleased with his "solid" 6-3 6-2 victory over Pella but knows he'll have to turn up the intensity if he wants to end a hard court title drought stretching back to 2014.
"I didn't try to do amazing things. I tried to play solid," the fifth-seed said. "For moments I played well. For moments I played a little bit less well. Important thing, I won, and I won in straight sets."
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