Fritz stops Nadal’s winning streak

Nadal had his own health issue.He came into the match bothered by painful breathing that he first experienced in a three-set semifinal win.

Hours from playing in the biggest final of his young career, Taylor Fritz was in severe pain. The prospect of having to withdraw against Rafael Nadal nearly had him in tears.

His coach urged him not to potentially risk damaging his sore ankle further. Fritz stubbornly refused to bow out.

His faith in himself paid off. Fritz upset Nadel 6-3 7-6 (5) on Sunday to win the BNP Paribas Open and snap the 21-time major champion’s 20-match winning streak this year.

‘It was a complete non-issue, didn’t feel it at all, didn’t hinder me at all,’ said Fritz, who tweaked his ankle late in his semifinal win over No. 7 seed Andrey Rublev. Blue medical tape could be seen above his high sock and he had it numbed before the final.

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