Rafael Nadal edges in-form Gulbis to set up Indian Wells quarterfinal match with Federer

World number five Rafael Nadal outlasted in-form Latvian Ernests Gulbis 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 at the BNP Paribas 2013 fourth round match. This was a highly anticipated match since both players were enjoying winning streaks going to this match. However, it was Nadal who prevailed.

“To win matches in days like today are more important that ever for me, and I’m very happy about what I did on court,” said Nadal. “I’m happy about the attitude. With all the problems, I was able to keep being focused and keep winning.”

Gulbis won the Delray Beach title a week ago and continued his streak from Indian Wells qualifying to the fourth round.

“I was more aggressive. I went for my shots much more than him,” Gulbis said. “But he did really incredibly well, as he always does, on the important points. It’s really tough to beat the guy.”

Nadal is nearing his 600th career match win on tour. His victory vs Gulbis was his 597th.