Barely one week after winning the Monte Carlo title, world number five, Rafael Nadal, has overthrown Kei Nishikori, to be crowned new Barcelona Open champion on Sunday.
The Spaniard beat Nishikori 6-4, 7-5 to win the title for the ninth time, equalling Guillermo Vilas' record of 49 career clay-court titles.
Nishikori had won the tournament for the last two years after early exits by Nadal.
"I was playing against the No. 6 player in the world, and if you don't play at your best you aren't going to win," Nadal said.
"I served well and that allowed me to play better. In the second set I missed several chances, and at the end it was very close, but I stayed mentally strong."
After losing to Fabio Fognini in the round of 16 last year, Nadal blamed his poor forehand. A year later, all Nadal's power was back on display, driving forehand strokes past Nishikori when it really mattered.
Rafael Nadal Dethrones Kei Nishikori As Barcelona Open Champion
Reviewed by Unknown
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22:44:00
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Reviewed by Unknown
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22:44:00
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