MATCH POINT: R. Nadal def. N. Kyrgios; Indian Wells QF

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In a electric quarterfinal clash between two of the biggest names in the sport, Rafael Nadal survived an upset bid from an inspired Nick Kyrgios at Indian Wells on Thursday, defeating the ultra-talented Australian, 7-6 (0), 5-7, 6-4.

With the victory, Nadal moves through to the 76th Masters 1000 semifinal of his career, extending his record for most appearances in the final four of Masters 1000 events since that level of tournament began in 1990.

MOST CAREER MASTERS 1000 SEMIFINALS:
76: Rafael Nadal
71: Novak Djokovic
66: Roger Federer
33: Andy Murray
32: Andre Agassi
31: Pete Sampras
20: Andy Roddick

Nadal also improves to 19-0 this year, not only extending the best start to a season in his career, but also making it the second-longest hard-court winning streak of his career, surpassing an 18-match hard-court winning streak from 2019, and now only trailing a 30-match hard-court winning streak he put together in 2012 and 2013.

NADAL’S 30-MATCH HARD-COURT WINNING STREAK IN 2012-2013:
4-0 to reach SFs of 2012 Miami (w/o to Murray w/knee injury)
5-0 to win 2013 Indian Wells
5-0 to win 2013 Canada
5-0 to win 2013 Cincinnati
7-0 to win 2013 US Open
4-0 to reach F of 2013 Beijing (l. to Djokovic)