Ivan Ljubicic took out Rafael Nadal today in the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (1). I think even Ivan would admit that this was a surprising result. Before the match, he said the strategy against Nadal was to “hit five winners per point to win every point” for two or three hours straight. Ljuby was wrong. He didn’t even play his best tennis (51 unforced errors!) yet still managed to take out the defending champion.
Ljubicic relied on his serve (17 aces) during the match to save multiple break points against him. He kept his cool after a disappointing first set and took advantage when Nadal’s forehand went AWOL a la Roger vs. Baghdatis for a chunk of the second set. When Rafa broke back immediately after Ljubicic scored the early advantage in the third, it suddenly seemed like the Croatian was just delaying the inevitable. Then the 31-year-old gritted his teeth like the grizzled veteran that he is and played a brilliant final tiebreak.
I’m not smart enough to tell you what really happened out there. Thank God for Scooby Doo.
Ljubicic faces the winner of Roddick vs. Soderling in the final. Rafael Nadal’s title drought continues, his last win coming last year in Rome. He has yet to defend a hard court title in his career. But Rafa still has an opportunity to end the tournament on a happy note, when he and Marc Lopez play top-seeded Nestor/Zimonjic in the doubles final later this afternoon.
Loading ...Tags: Indian Wells, Ivan Ljubicic, rafael nadal
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Ljuby dooby doo — I love it!
I’m sad for Rafa, but you can’t help but be happy for Ljuby roo (loo?)
So go Rafa in doubles and Ivan to win it all!
my sentiments exactly. fun post, love the look on ivan’s face!
Well I guess Ivan might disagree with me about not playing his best tennis today. Here’s his quote from the post-match presser: “Probably the best I’ve ever played in my career.”
I just felt like the whole time he was scraping by, saving break points and then Rafa’s errors helped him out quite a bit. The tiebreak was obviously fantastic but overall I thought it was a scratchy match from both players. But what do I know? I’m sure Ivan is a better judge.
Maybe it’s his heart talking — I’m sure it felt like the best he’s ever played!
Yeah, it was a heroic deed from Ljubicic. La Conquista par excellence
didn’t get to watch the whole thing, because my dvr crapped out on me, but from what i saw, ivan really stepped up when it counted and having to keep up with that big croat serve creates a lot of pressure. impressive win either way and so nice to see him rejuvenated.