Rafael Nadal has produced a gutsy display to overcome Ernests Gulbis and reach the last eight of the BNP Paribas Open.
The Spaniard will now face long-time rival Roger Federer at Indian Wells following a highly entertaining two-hour-and-32-minute battle on the main court.
Gulbis produced some fantastic tennis to take the first set 6-4, only for Nadal to hit back immediately in the second by breaking at the first attempt.
The Latvian managed to get back on serve, but the world number five broke decisively at 5-4 up to take the match into a decider.
It went with serve until the Spaniard broke to go 6-5 ahead. He wasted two match points before eventually clinching his place in the quarter-finals.
Written by
Michael Penkman
Michael Penkman
