Tennis news today: Rafael Nadal stages stunning comeback to edge past Sebastian Korda, Chris Evert backs up Serena Williams' comments on Alexander Zverev | 13 March 2022
Rafael Nadal wasn't at his best in Indian Wells on Saturday, but found a way to get past an inspired Sebastian Korda. Meanwhile, on the women's side, the top seeds continued to tumble as high-profile names were knocked out of the tournament.
In a surprising move, Darren Cahill and Amanda Anisimova ended their partnership and Chris Evert echoed Serena Williams' comments regarding Alexander Zverev.
Here's a round-up of the day's tennis news.
Rafael Nadal digs deep to continue unbeaten run in 2022
Sebastian Korda looked on course for a massive upset when he led his idol Rafael Nadal 5-2 in the deciding set of their second-round contest at Indian Wells. However, the Spaniard staged yet another inspiring comeback to quell his younger opponent's challenge and win 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(3). The Spaniard's record for the year now stands at 16-0.
During his on-court interview, Nadal admitted that he'll have to step up his game considerably moving forward. He is set to face Dan Evans in the third round.
"I didn't have my best feeling today," Nadal said. "Good thing tomorrow is a day off. I need to keep practising... Another fantastic feeling being able to win that match. It doesn't matter what way."
"I've probably played one of the worst matches of the year. He played well, aggressive, ball was v diff to control..I didn't serve well, on the FH, I couldn't daage him at all but sometimes you win matches like this, no? I feel sorry for him. I fighted, true, happy for that." https://t.co/dOBuaYOCtt
Nadal has withdrawn from the Miami Masters, which is set to begin next week.
Top-ranked WTA players continue to make early exits at Indian Wells
Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur and Jelena Ostepanko were the latest top-10 seeds to crash out of the Indian Wells Open, losing to Jasmine Paolini, Daria Saville and Shelby Rogers respectively. Karolina Pliskova and Garbine Muguruza were knocked out yesterday.
Elina Svitolina, a former World No. 3, also lost early. Anett Kontaveit, Maria Sakkari and Paula Badosa fared much better, winning in straight sets and providing some stability on a day of upsets.
Venus and Serena Williams set to miss Miami Open
Venus and Serena Williams have been on the sidelines for more than six months now. As a result, their rankings have taken a nosedive and the duo will need to rely on wildcards to enter upcoming tournaments.
The 2022 Miami Open, which is set to begin next week, announced wildcard recipients for its upcoming edition. Since the Williams sisters haven't been awarded wildcards, it's safe to assume they won't be participating in the tournament.
Headed to @HardRockStadium 🌴
@andy_murray & @NickKyrigos and @naomiosaka & @SofiaKenin highlight our #MiamiOpen Wildcards!
Full wildcard list >> miamiopen.com/2022-miami-ope… https://t.co/MpuB5dcFGW
Serena Williams has won the Miami Open eight times, while Venus Williams is a three-time champion at the WTA 1000 event.
Chris Evert sides with Serena Williams over Alexander Zverev drama
Alexander Zverev was awarded a rather light punishment following his outburst against the chair umpire at the Mexican Open. While the German was immediately disqualified from the tournament and fined as well, the ATP put him on a year-long probation. Any further violations from the German would result in an eight-week suspension.
Serena Williams touched upon this matter during an interview and stated that had she committed the same offense, she would've been punished more harshly. Chris Evert also came out in support of Williams' statement and highlighted the disparity between men and women in the sport.
"I wouldn't go as far as saying she would go to jail, but I think she has a point and I think that definitely her consequences would have been far stricter than Alexander Zverev’s," Evert said. "Welcome to the world of men and women. I think it is a female and male issue. I agree with her."
Darren Cahill abrubtly ends stint as Amanda Anisimova's coach
Amanda Anisimova added Darren Cahill to her coaching team this year and the results were immediate. She won her first title in more than two years at the Melbourne Summer Set. At the Australian Open, she made it to the fourth round, knocking out defending champion Naomi Osaka along the way.
However, Cahill has now decided to end his stint as Anisimova's coach. The Australian said he felt burnt out and added that he wouldn't be able to commit to the tour's grueling and lengthy schedule, according to reports.
Some info on the abrupt Anisimova-Cahill split:
After having their first practice together here at Indian Wells, Darren Cahill told Amanda Anisimova the next day that he'd hit a wall and was burnt out, unable to commit to the tour, abruptly ending their coaching partnership.