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 and again today u were best at what u knows best ….the defence ……vamos rafa
And love the way u cut short one more shot with the right shot selection with net approach
Vamos rafa
Enjoy the rest
Now u needs to focus on placement of u r serves and have practice for that for next tournaments
Greatest Sportsperson Ever To Live
Congrats to Rafa. Happy for his win. I hope he watches his 2ndset and realise that he played a crap 2nd set. tons oh short shots and too defensive game. Nishikori was very aggressive while Rafa was retreating a mile behind the baseline. with that style of play, he runs out of energy and importantly is susceptible to injuries. I insist he needs to hire a new coach to teach him to play aggressive and takes balls early.
God bless u the great sir
oh shut up already zika-infested-brain, HE WON, GET IT???? HE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes just brilliant and a lovely birthday present for his Mum happy birthday Rafa’s Mum from all his fans
oh Great to know
HBD rafa mum
Have a great party rafa anf family
Rafa is known for his humility and honest efforts. And that’s why his fan list outnumbers that of Novak and RF combined. Don’t disrespect his ethic with such misinformation. Kei fought well, saved 2 championship points. And Rafa won 6-4, 7-5…. Not 6-1. Hope you will correct your records and not disrespect our champion’s legacy by stating false numbers.
VAMOS DEAR RAFA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FANTASTIC BRILLIANT WIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) YEH…………..YOUR SWEET BARCELONA TOUR VICTORY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) & VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Very well deserved…… CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) You are the best Tennis player ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) YOU ARE THE GOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 YOU BRING PASSION & CLASS TO TENNIS and YOUR HONORABLE SPORTSMANSHIP IS UNMATCHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) WE LOVE YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) Watching your matches is such a wonderful treat & a favorite pass time for millions Tennis fans!!!!! : ) Globally!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Seeing you earn & win your 2016 Barcelona trophy is very special!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) We are very happy for you!!!!! : ) Enjoy & celebrate & God bless you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) YOU ARE PLAYING OUTSTANDING SOLID TENNIS & YOUR FANTASTIC SERVE & MOVEMENT & BRILLIANT SHOTS ARE AMAZING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) KUDOS TO YOU & YOUR MAGNIFICENT LOYAL TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Together you make THE BEST TEAM IN TENNIS HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 ENJOY EVERYTHING & have a nice vacation !!!!!! : ) : ) : ) I don’t know if you sing in the shower but today would be a great day for doing just that !!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) Lots of love & happiness to you & your beloved group!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
VAMOS RAFA U R D BEST N MY BOOK
Many congrats to rafa For the title
an amazing match and great u won the tournament without losing the set
u were able beat an inform nishikori hitting kitchen sink shots
Today it was great to see u were able to make comeback after 0-40 down on ur game
Ur inside out forehand was absolute amazing
So great for ur confidence
For now enjoy the victory …….take rest hit the beach or water sports u like or fishining
stay healthy
Vamos rafa vamos
Once again congrats to u, uncle toni, francis and ur entire team
Very well done Rafa, knew you could do it again, determination back in bucket loads too.
Yes, agree with you that Rafa can do it. we his fans have trust and faith that Rafa could win more tournaments. Well done Rafa keep it up. Vamos Rafa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VAMOS RAFA.💖.
LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE YOU RAFA.💖.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING ALL YOUR FANS VERY VERY HAPPY.
ENJOY YOUR MOMENT. A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO UNCLE TONY N THE ENTIRE TEAM, FOR BEING THERE FOR YOU.
GOD BLESS YOU DEAR. 🌸 🌹 🍂 🍁 🌺 🌻 🌼 🌽 🌷 🌷 🌷 🌹
Ese es Rafa el Champion que nos sigue dando alegrias, Vamos Rafa
CHOMP, CHOMP, CHOMP
Oh my word, OUR guy is so damn awesome.
Does he jump in the pool???
RAFA, RAFA. Never would I EVER give up on this guy.
RAFA fan forever.
Vamos Rafa…!! The king ia back… Very happy to see you win back-to-back titles..
Deep Thinker
Still thinking? “Hmmm….”
this isn’t the right score?
It’s a pity that they didn’t show Rafa biting that trophy.
Anyway Vamos!
RAFA YOU’RE UNBELIEVABLE!
Well done Rafa!
Este es nuestro Rafa. Olé.
YES The rightful heir has reclaimed his kingdom ,Rafa you are brilliant