We’re down to the final four here in the ATP BNP Paribas Open where three young stars and one-third of the famous Big 3 have a chance to bring home some silverware.
Rafael Nadal is the most famous name here after Daniil Medvedev suffered a shock upset and the Spaniard appears to be favourite to win it all. But Andrey Rublev, Taylor Fritz, and Carlos Alcaraz will have something to say about that as they’ll look to defy the SBOTOP BNP Paribas Open 2022 odds.
With only a few days left in Southern California, the tennis action continues to heat up and fans are bound to see more BNP Paribas Open 2022 highlights.
Master meets apprentice in all-Spanish matchup
The all-Spanish affair between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will be the first in Indian Wells history, although this would be the second-ever meeting between the two compatriots.
Carlos Alcaraz is on one of the best stretches of his young career. The 18-year-old is already the youngest BNP Paribas Open men’s quarter-finalist since 17-year-old Michael Chang in 1989 and he’s now the second-youngest semi-finalist behind the great Andre Agassi in 1988.
The World No. 19 had big victories prior to the semis. He dominated fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, 6-2, 6-0, in the Round of 32, and he beat Gael Monfils and reigning champion Cameron Norrie in the succeeding rounds.
Against Norrie, Alcaraz was pushed to the limit as he trailed multiple times in the opening set. But once he won the first set, the young Spaniard never looked back.
He has now earned a rematch against Rafael Nadal, who also faced stiff competition prior to the semis.
Nadal almost suffered an upset against Sebastian Korda in the Round of 64. And after that, he recorded wins over Dan Evans and Reilly Opelka.
The 35-year-old then faced Nick Kyrgios in the quarter-finals in what was an intense and thrilling game. Rafael Nadal wasn’t exactly at his best against the combustible Australian, but he somehow found a way to come out victorious.
Ahead of the semis, Carlos Alcaraz knows that the odds are stacked against him but he doesn’t mind it one bit. Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal sees a bright future for his younger opponent.
“It’s tough to play against Rafa but at the same time I will enjoy the moment. It’s not every day you play against your idol. I’m going to be happy even if I lose that match,” said Alcaraz.
“I think he’s unstoppable in terms of his career. He has all the ingredients and he’s humble enough to work hard. Being selfish, it’s great to have such a star from my country,” remarked Nadal.
Nadal and Alcaraz are a combined 31-1 in 2022, with the former at 19-0 and the latter at 12-1. Their first-ever meeting took place on Alcaraz’s 18th birthday where Nadal won 6-1, 6-2 in Madrid last spring.
Taylor Fritz and Andrey Rublev set for a collision course
Taylor Fritz has reached the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open for the second time in five months and he’ll face his biggest test yet.
After entering Indian Wells at rank No. 39, Fritz has now moved up to No. 20 with victories over Kamil Majchrzak, Jaume Munar, Alex de Minaur, and Miomir Kecmanovic.
Fritz is the the first American to reach consecutive semi-finals at this tournament since Andy Roddick in 2009 and 2010. And should he win the tournament altogether, Fritz will also become the first American to win since Andre Agassi in 2001.
“Things are starting to come together. I feel like my level as a player has gone up a ton. It feels like a second home. Just the energy is completely different. There’s no place I’d rather have these results than here,” said Fritz.
Up next for him is the seventh-ranked Andrey Rublev, who is fighting for something bigger than the whole tournament itself.
The 24-year-old Russian has made calls for peace in Ukraine ever since he arrived in Indian Wells and his inspired play has helped him earn victories over Dominik Koepfer, Frances Tiafoe, Hubert Hurkacz, and Grigor Dimitrov.
Rublev has already won titles in Marseille and Dubai this year, but he believes that he can go to the next level with a victory here in Southern California. He has yet to drop a set this year and he’s enjoying a 13-game winning streak. Rublev and Fritz both have two wins each in their head-to-heads, so one of them will have bragging rights over the other come tomorrow.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE TENNIS STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
