Taylor Fritz wins Indian Wells title, ends Nadal's winning streak
Taylor Fritz claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 title after beating Spanish ace Rafael Nadal in the Indian Wells final. The American claimed a 6-3, 7-6(5) victory to clinch his second ATP Tour trophy. Fritz ended Nadal's 20-match winning streak, denying him his 37th ATP Masters 1000 title. Earlier this year, Nadal captured a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
Why does this story matter?
Fritz has become the first American to win the Indian Wells singles title since since Andre Agassi in 2001. The former is also the youngest Indian Wells men's champion since Serbian maestro Novak Djokovic in 2011. Fritz beat Nadal in the final, who had not lost in the last 20 matches. It was Fritz's first win in nine matches against the 'Big Three'.
Here are the stats of the final
Fritz won 82 points, while Nadal won 23 winners in the match. The latter recorded as many as 26 unforced errors. Nadal won 85% of the net points (11/13), with Fritz claiming 62% (47/76) of the service points. Nadal saved a championship point at 4-5.
'Went through a roller coaster of emotions before the match'
"I can't even begin to describe how ridiculous it is that I was able to play how I could play today. I've never experienced worse pain in my life before a match," Fritz said after the match. "We did a lot of work leading up to the match and I went through a roller coaster of emotions before the match."
Indian Wells 2022: A look at Fritz's journey
Fritz earned a straight-set win over Kamil Majchrzak in the second round of the Indian Wells. The former then defeated Jaume Munar 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(2). Fritz came from behind to beat Alex de Minaur in the third round. The American claimed another three-set win over Miomir Kecmanovic. Fritz overcame Andrey Rublev (semi-final) and Nadal (final) in two sets.
Fritz unlocks these achievements
Career-best start to a season
In February, Nadal won the Mexican Open after beating Cameron Norrie in the final. Prior to that, the former won his second Australian Open title with a phenomenal win over Daniil Medvedev in the final. Nadal became the first man (Open Era) to clinch 21 Grand Slam titles. He had a 20-0 record before the Indian Wells final, his career-best start to a season.
Nadal couldn't equal Novak Djokovic
Nadal was vying to win his 37th Masters 1000 title. Presently, he has the second-most titles at this stage (36) after Djokovic. Federer follows Nadal with 28 titles. Earlier in the Indian Wells, Nadal earned his 400th career ATP Masters 1000 victory. Players with most Masters 1000 career wins - Nadal: 403, Roger Federer: 381, Novak Djokovic: 374, Andy Murray: 219, Andre Agassi: 209.
