Nadal grinds out Isner victory

Rafael Nadal was forced to dig deep to see off a player of “unbelievable potential” as the world number three booked his place in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Nadal, who is returning to action at this tournament following several weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury, required three sets to see off the challenge of giant American John Isner.