[attach id=242537 size="medium"]Rafael Nadal poses for photographers after defeating Juan Martin Del Potro.[/attach]
The fist pump was back, along with the crunching forehand crosscourt winners, energetic movement and the never-say-die attitude.
Most significantly, the ‘W’ was there as Rafa Nadal on Sunday won his third title in just four events since making his long-awaited return to the ATP Tour after seven months out with an injured left knee.
The Spaniard’s pulsating 4-6 6-3 6-4 victory over Juan Martin Del Potro in the final of the BNP Paribas Open served as a timely reminder that the claycourt specialist will once again be the player to beat at the French Open starting in late May.
“He’s like always, like in the past, he’s playing so solid, so strong,” purred Argentine Del Potro who, while bitterly disappointed after his defeat at Indian Wells, felt Nadal was back to his very best.
“He’s strong mentally. He has big talent, as well. He beat very good players here at Indian Wells. He’s going to be fighting for the first position (in the rankings) very soon.”
A few weeks ago, claycourt specialist Nadal was not even sure if he would be able to play on the punishing hard courts at Indian Wells, a surface where his all-action, counter-punching game has often been least effective.
However, the world number five decided to return to the California desert venue where he had previously clinched the BNP Paribas Open in 2007 and 2009, and he ended a week of steady progress by landing his 22nd ATP Masters title.
The Spanish left-hander may initially have had his doubts over how his knee would stand up to his most rigorous test since returning to the ATP circuit last month, but those soon abated as he passed the test with flying colours.
Nadal was euphoric after winning his third Indian Wells title, having dispatched second-ranked Roger Federer and sixth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych along the way.
“That makes an emotional week for me,” the 11-times grand slam singles champion smiled after beating Del Potro in a fluctuating match lasting two hours 29 minutes.
“It’s a very important victory for me, winning against the best players of the world on a surface that is good for them. Seriously, it’s impossible to have better comeback, no?”
Nadal will now take a month off while he strengthens his left leg on the advice of his doctors.
He will then return to action on the clay of Monte Carlo, followed by Barcelona, Madrid and Rome, as he prepares to win his eighth French Open title in nine years.
“I’m going to go to Monte Carlo with the same expectations than ever, and I’m going to try my best to arrive there healthy and in good shape, playing well,” said Nadal.
Ominous words as far as his rivals are concerned.