World No. 5 Rafael Nadal won the Barcelona Open for the ninth time after defeating Kei Nishikori in two hours and four minutes.
Rafa’s 6-4, 7-5 victory gave him the 49th clay-court title of his career, tying him with Guillermo Vilas for the most titles on the sandy surface in the Open Era.
It was his 69th title as he played in his 101st career final.
After the match, Rafa said:
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.
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.
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Japans Kei Nishikori during the Barcelona Open tennis tournament final in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his game with Japans Kei Nishikori during the Barcelona Open tennis tournament final in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
El tenista español Rafael Nadal durante la final del Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell Trofeo Conde de Godó contra el japonés Kei Nishikori que se disputa en Barcelona. EFE/Toni Albir
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Japans Kei Nishikori during the Barcelona Open tennis tournament final in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
El tenista español Rafael Nadal durante la final del Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell Trofeo Conde de Godó contra el japonés Kei Nishikori que se disputa en Barcelona. EFE/Toni Albir
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand against Kei Nishikori of Japan during their final match during day seven of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 24, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Japans Kei Nishikori during the Barcelona Open tennis tournament final in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his game with Japans Kei Nishikori during the Barcelona Open tennis tournament final in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
El tenista español Rafael Nadal durante la final del Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell Trofeo Conde de Godó contra el japonés Kei Nishikori que se disputa en Barcelona. EFE/Toni Albir
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Japans Kei Nishikori during the Barcelona Open tennis tournament final in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
El tenista español Rafael Nadal durante la final del Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell Trofeo Conde de Godó contra el japonés Kei Nishikori que se disputa en Barcelona. EFE/Toni Albir
El tenista español Rafael Nadal durante la final del Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell Trofeo Conde de Godó contra el japonés Kei Nishikori que se disputa en Barcelona. EFE/Toni Albir
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
El tenista español Rafael Nadal celebra su victoria en el Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell Trofeo Conde de Godó tras vencer en la final al japonés Kei Nishikori. EFE/Toni Albir
Spain’s Rafael Nadal poses for a photo with the trophy, next to Japans Kei Nishikori, after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal lifts the trophy after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal lifts the trophy after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal lifts the trophy after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with the trophy after defeating Kei Nishikori of Japan in the final match during day seven of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 24, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (April 23, 2016 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal poses for a photo with the trophy after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal sprays sparkling wine as he celebrates after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal sprays sparkling wine as he celebrates after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
El tenista español Rafael Nadal celebra su victoria en el Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell Trofeo Conde de Godó tras vencer en la final al japonés Kei Nishikori. EFE/Toni Albir
Spain’s Rafael Nadal poses for a photo with the trophy after winning the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japans Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Rafael Nadal of Spain dives in the swimming pool after defeating Kei Nishikori of Japan in their final match during day seven of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 24, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (April 23, 2016 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
EDS NOTE : SPANISH LAW REQUIRES THAT THE FACES OF MINORS ARE MASKED IN PUBLICATIONS WITHIN SPAIN. Spain’s Rafael Nadal, center, jumps into a swimming pool surrounded by tournament’s volunteers as they celebrate Nadal’s victory at the Barcelona Open tennis tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 24, 2016. Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-4 and 7-5, in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Rafael Nadal of Spain dives in the swimming pool after defeating Kei Nishikori of Japan in their final match during day seven of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 24, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (April 23, 2016 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain dives in the swimming pool after defeating Kei Nishikori of Japan in their final match during day seven of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 24, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (April 23, 2016 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain dives in the swimming pool after defeating Kei Nishikori of Japan in their final match during day seven of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 24, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (April 23, 2016 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
Rafa Nadal victory celebration during the final match between Rafael Nadal (ESP) vsKei Nishikori (JPN) of the Open Banc Sabadell, 64 Trophy Conde de Godo, played on the RCT Barcelona 1899, on april 24, 2016. Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rafa Nadal victory celebration during the final match between Rafael Nadal (ESP) vsKei Nishikori (JPN) of the Open Banc Sabadell, 64 Trophy Conde de Godo, played on the RCT Barcelona 1899, on april 24, 2016. Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rafa Congratulations on your win against Kei.
ALl the best for your next tournament, i think in Madrid.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your dear Mum.love and God bless,AlaineXX
What in heavens name are you talking about? Vilas never won in Barcelona!!
Talking about the fact that Vilas won 49 over-all life-time clay titles, which Rafa just equaled. As a newbie to tennis you may want to google all the facts and stats …… O_O
CONTRATULATIONS TO YOU RAFA, You played your heart out. So very happy for you and your team. You gave your mother a wonderful birthday present. You made all of your fans very happy today, thank you Rafa. Please remain healthy, positive, and very confident. God bless you Rafa. I love you. Marylynn
I agree Nole is the King, King of clowns . You are and will always be the best Rafa. Congratulations Rafa !!! Love you❤️❤️❤️❤️
You are, of course, entitled to your opinion, but we Rafa fans should respect all the top players. Rafa would never say that himself about Novak.
va4favre – thank you for your comment, I agree completely with you. I love tennis very much, and I am a total Rafa fan, and for that reason I think it is very important to respect all the great players, they all contribute to the greatness of the game. I may not like it when Nole beats Rafa, but I still respect him for the tennis player that he is, and importantly, as you point out, Rafa would NEVER so disrespect to his fellow players. Your comment is the best one here today!
And VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nadal. , you. are. really great. ! Good. results. are. awaiting. you. at. the. coming. French. Open. !!
Rafa, congratulations for winning your 9th title at Barcelona after just winning your
9th title at Monte Carlo! Also I congratulate you for tying Vilas’s record of 49 clay court
titles. Vilas was another player I greatly admired and always enjoyed watching in the past.
One of the best moments of the final today was when the camera showed Rafa’s box
with team and family, I just loved Rafa’s father’s expression of pride and joy for his
son, Rafa. Rafa’s team and family are just as phenomenal as he is.
Kei Nishikori is an amazing competitor. I was hoping Rafa would win the match in
2 straight sets and he did. This was a super terrific test for Rafa because
Kei is just as mentally tough and tactical as Rafa. Rafa, of course passed the test in flying colors. Rafa always had his skills set and vast arsenal of weapons intact but
the confidence last year wasn’t present. Well, it is now. Combine the two, and we
most certainly have our dear Rafa, “the undeniable King of Clay back!” Again
the most powerful force on clay to be reckoned with.
VAMOS!
Remember… Nole was in M C but was beaten
Ist round.. they hate him in Barcelona…he never gets invited to play..
Go RAFA…3 more clay tournaments to win..
We know you can do it…!!!!!
Vamos…
Really happy for rafa.. nole fans shud just learn to tone it down. Rafa beat nole like a drum until 2010 on all surfaces and still has a good record against nole in the majors.. I suspect even nole will not disrespect rafa the way the fans of nole snd even rafa fans disrespect rafa.. that said rafa at 75% will beat anyone but nole on clay.. so kie had no chance.. however to beat nole in clay.. rafa has to pick up his current level to simethibg approaching 2013 or nole shud drop to pre 2015 level which is still High.. hope rafa keeps this form and stays healthy. Vamos. . Please get back ur 2010 serve rafa.. use those muscles 🙂
Nole is The KING
Novak is the number one tennis player in the world and should be the rest of this year if not longer. He is not, however, the King of Clay. He can not earn it until he wins 9 French Open titles, not to mention dozens of others.
Yes he won because Nole did not play, it is good to see him winning and getting confidence and the tennis will be more interesting and unpredictable of a winner. Djokovic is the king and all other have to eat a lots of Pasulja.
Time to take your happy-pill fruitcake, and chill out. Respects to Nole, but if you think he is half the tennis player that Rafa is, then time to double your dose, and lay off the sauce O_O
god bless u
Yes Rafa! Tying Vilas and winning 2 back to back titles. Watching the match vs kohlschreiber, at times he looked like the Rafa from 3/4 years ago. These wins will give him alot of much needed confidence for the rest of the clay court season.
Fantastic Rafa the ONE
YES, YES, YES! 👍❤️😃 Congratulations sweet Rafa on your great win 🏆😘👏 VAMOS Champ 🎾💪😅 All the best of luck at your next tournament 😍🍀
Also a happy birthday to your mum 😊🎂🌸
Great match today. So happy for you. Vamos Rafa!!!
well done Rafa so pleased for you still our ‘King of clay ‘ keep this up and you will get back to where you belong , at the top , !!!
Feel so happy he has won yet again this will really boast his confidence good luck for your next match !!
Excelente Rafa! Que partido! contra un gran jugador. Fue un placer verte jugar!
Vamoooos!
Congratulations Campeón !!! Feliciudads ! We love you ! mucho…
6-4, 6-1… Did you watch the match? It looked like this would be the score, but ended up being 6-4, 7-5
Congrats to our champion! A very important win! There is still room to improve. It was a beautiful game with a lot of awesome passes from both players! Rafa is still playing too far from the baseline, have to change that! BUT I’ am so happy for our King of clay! Vamos…..