Rafael Nadal, ranked world No. 652, is set to open his Indian Wells campaign against Milos Raonic, ranked No. 224, marking his return from injury since the first week of the season. The match, eagerly anticipated by tennis fans, will see the winner advance to face Holger Rune in the second round. This encounter is notable as it will be only the fourth time since the ATP Masters 1000 format's inception in 1990 that two players ranked outside the ATP's top 200 meet in the main draw at Indian Wells. Nadal and Raonic are scheduled to play on Thursday, 3/7, to kick off the evening session, live on Tennis Channel.
Who's taking Nadal to get by Raonic in Rd 1 in Indian Wells?
4 - Since the ATP Masters 1000 format's inception in 1990, Rafael Nadal's match with Milos Raonic will be only fourth time two players ranked outside the ATP's top 200 meet in the main draw at Indian Wells. Throwback. #TennisParadise | @BNPPARIBASOPEN @atptour @ATPMediaInfo https://t.co/C1tu2lOeSv
The world No. 652 will collide with the world No. 224—and you're gonna want to see it. Rafael Nadal's first match since the first week of the season, at the @BNPPARIBASOPEN at Indian Wells, is against...Milos Raonic. https://t.co/KR01yPqr8j
RAFA'S FIRST ROUND IS SET! 🔥 Nadal takes on Raonic live on Tennis Channel Thursday 3/7 to kick off the evening session! #TennisParadise https://t.co/yik2mjFSoK
Rafael Nadal to open in Indian Wells against Milos Raonic, with winner to face Holger Rune. Fun!
All eyes on this 👀 @RafaelNadal makes his return from injury vs @milosraonic at the @BNPPARIBASOPEN with the winner facing Rune in R2! #TennisParadise https://t.co/NQEm5s51u8
Wow. Rafael Nadal vs. Milos Raonic is a first round in Indian Wells. Winner faces Holger Rune in the 2nd round!
Nadal v Raonic first round.... #BNPParibasOpen