OMNISPORT
Rafael Nadal has labelled his win over Juan Martin del Potro at the BNP Paribas Open as 'one of the most emotional victories' of his career.
Nadal continued his comeback from injury on Sunday, winning his third straight ATP tournament and his first on hard court as he came from a set down to defeat del Potro 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the final.
The Spaniard, 26, did not play from Wimbledon last year until early February with a partially torn patella tendon in his left knee but proved he is still a force to be reckoned with after knocking off Roger Federer, Tomas Berdych and del Potro to claim the title at Indian Wells.
"A lot of things happened the last seven months, (so) to be back here and to have this very heavy trophy with me is amazing," Nadal said.
"Beating three top-10 players and winning a title like this is just something unbelievable for me.
"I'm very, very happy and very emotional."
The world number five led 3-0 in the opening set of the final of the BNP Paribas Open but won just one more game as del Potro fought back to claim the set.
Nadal conceded he was knocked off his game by del Potro's aggression but argued once he regained his composure the world number seven from Argentina had few answers.
"It's probably one of the most emotional victories of my career," Nadal said.
"The support since I came back has been huge.
"It's an unforgettable week for me and an unforgettable tournament.
"I started the match playing fantastic, then del Potro started playing a little more aggressive. In my opinion, I tried to change too early against his forehand.
"I was too aggressive. When I was able to calm myself, I began to play better and a bit slower. My movement was unbelievable and I played a fantastic match."
Del Potro claimed Nadal's break in the third game of the final set effectively decided the match but accepted that his opponent had earned the title.
"I think Rafa deserved to win," del Potro said.
"The last hour of the match, he played so solid and put me so far (behind) the baseline and made winners.
"But I think I (had) a good tournament anyway and Rafa played really well today in the second and third sets.
"He broke me early in the third (and) playing against him when the score is down is tougher.
"I was fighting all the time but he won in the end."