Three-time Indian Wells champion got some measure of revenge when he hacked out a come-from-behind win over fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco (6-0, 7-6, (9)) in their third-round match at the BNP Paribas Open.

Nadal’s triumph gives the Spaniard a measure of revenge considering it was Verdasco, who ousted him in five sets at the Australian Open back in January.

Finally Back on Track?

The win could also be a good sign of things to come, considering the struggles that Nadal has had to endure.

After his Australian Open ouster, many had questioned his ability to rise once again. Some went as far as suggesting he consider changing his coach, his uncle Toni Nadal.

The elder Nadal was ready to step aside though Rafa isn’t too keen to seek a coaching change for now. Aside from the fact that they are both related, Nadal attributes his current run as a result of bad luck.

Temporary Sigh of Relief

Though the win wasn’t exactly something that could define how Nadal is known as a player, he does admit that he caught a break against his previous tormentor.

"Feel lucky to win the tiebreak, and at the same time I think at the end of the tiebreak I played well with not many mistakes and going for the points," Nadal said.

Prior to that wild finish, Verdasco seemed to have the number of Nadal, with the former winning three of their last four meetings.

Verdasco contributed to making things easier for Nadal though with errors on his end. His backhand error allowed Nadal to get his first match point and first serve. It was a nip-and-tuck affair from that point forward with. It was Nadal’s second match point that won it for him when Verdasco’s backhand sailed off the baseline.

"In this kind of match I have more to lose than him, so he's able to play very aggressive. He has amazing shots. He arrives to the tiebreak and you know you're in trouble."

Tougher Grind Ahead

With Nadal now officially in the last 16, he will need more than luck to make it all the way to the final and a potential fourth crown.

First up in the third round is rising star Alexander Zverev, who made it to the next round at the expense of 16th seeded Gilles Simon (6-2, 6-2). Nadal knows who is up against and may be in a for a rough match against Zverev.

“He's clearly a future number 1. He has everything, all the shots,” said Nadal of his next opponent.

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