Indian Wells Quarterfinal Predictions: Ranking the Final Eight

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Indian Wells Quarterfinals: Ranking the Final Eight

Mar 18, 2015; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Rafael Nadal (ESP) during match against Gilles Simon (FRA) in the BNP Paribas open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Nadal won 6-2, 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

2. Rafael Nadal

How he got here:

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R2: Igor Sijsling

R3: Donald Young

R4: (15) Gilles Simon

Possible path to title:

QF: (6) Raonic

SF: (2) Federer

F: (1) Djokovic / (4) Murray

Chance at Championship:

There were definitely questions as Nadal began his quest at Indian Wells. He hadn’t put up the numbers he is used to, even bowing out early at a clay court tournament. In coming back from an injury-plagued 2014, Nadal seemed to lack the confidence he needs to be aggressive. That aggressive play is essential to Nadal being successful at the highest level, especially on hard courts.

The world No.3 has answered all those questions this week. The easy victories over counterpunchers like Young and Simon are very telling. Nadal took control of both those matches be edging up to the baseline and hitting with his patented combination of spin, power, and angles. He needs to continue to play this way to have a chance at the title. Raonic is a tough draw, but Nadal has beat him all five times they’ve met on a variety of surfaces.

Next: Indian Wells Quarterfinal Ranks: Number 1

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