Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal defeated Nick Kyrgios in the quarterfinal match to reach the semi-finals.

Tennis General

Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal defeated Nick Kyrgios in the quarterfinal match to reach the semi-finals.

Rafael Nadal defeated Nick Kyrgios in the blockbuster quarterfinals of Indian Wells to reach the final.

Rafael Nadal beat Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (0), 5-7, 6-4 on Thursday.

Nadal will face teenage sensation Alcaraz in the semi-finals.

Nadal improved to 19-0 this year, the third best start of a season since 1990.

"I think I played the third set well," Nadal said in an on-court interview. "I was coming back better, I was solid with my serve. Nick is one of these players that you have a problem with when he's motivated, so I'm happy to win."

"I think he is unstoppable in terms of his career," Nadal said of Alcaraz. “He has all the ingredients, the passion. He is humble enough to work hard. He is without a doubt going to be a great rival now and for the next few months. Being selfish, such a star from my country It's great to be... I wish her all the best."