Rafael Nadal Fans

Rafael Nadal wins ninth Barcelona Open, equals Guillermo Vilas’ record

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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s Kei Nishikori, after winning 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)
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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 Japan’s 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 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)
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)

56 comments

  1. 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

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

  3. 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

    Reply

  4. I agree Nole is the King, King of clowns . You are and will always be the best Rafa. Congratulations Rafa !!! Love you❤️❤️❤️❤️

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

      • 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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