ARTICLES:
Rafael Nadal matched a tennis legend Sunday and laid down another marker ahead of his attempt to win a 10th French Open title.
The revitalized Spaniard backed up his victory in the Monte Carlo Masters by claiming the Barcelona Open for a record ninth time, drawing him level with Argentina’s Guillermo Vilas on 49 career clay-court titles.
- Nadal Notches Record-Tying 49th Clay-Court Title In Barcelona | ATP World Tour
Most Titles At A Single Tournament (Open Era)
| Player |
Titles | Tournament |
| Rafael Nadal | 9 | Monte-Carlo |
| Rafael Nadal | 9 | Roland Garros |
| Rafael Nadal | 9 | Barcelona |
| Roger Federer | 8 | Halle |
| Guillermo Vilas | 8 | Buenos Aires |
“I have been working so hard to enjoy moments like this,” Nadal said. “The fact that I’m playing at home is always even more special. I’m very happy and I feel lucky to enjoy this again.”
Nadal, the world’s third best-paid tennis player according to Forbes with $32.5 million in annual earnings, had been written off by many after exiting the Australian Open in the first round in January.
But after reaching the semi-finals on hard courts in Indian Wells, California in March, he’s gone 10-0 on clay in Europe this spring – winning Monte Carlo and Barcelona in the same year for the first time since 2012 – and he is rapidly approaching his best form.
PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal wins ninth Barcelona Open title
VIDEOS:
- Rafael Nadal wishes his mum a happy birthday during the trophy ceremony in Barcelona | stroppa777
- Rafael Nadal takes a celebratory jump in the pool in Barcelona | EFE
- Rafael Nadal Press Conference (in Spanish) | Barcelona Open
- Post-match interview with Rafael Nadal (in Spanish) | Barcelona Open
- Match Point: Nadal vs Nishikori | Barcelona Open
Rafael Nadal is a tennis legend . So happy for him. Was in hospital until Sunday and in time to watch the final . Helped the start of my recovery. Wonderful Rafael
Congrats Rafa ! I’m so happy for the past two weeks because I know you are on top of your game and so confident especially when you go to the nets and the drop shots amazing ! Happy birthday to your mom we are all so very lucky to enjoy you ! Thanks to your mom for sharing her wonderful son with us all ! I’m so happy to be your fan ! Thanks for all the exciting and amazing tennis I enjoyed especially when you are the best player !
Sweet victory over Kei who is another dedicated, respectful player. While DjokovIc has claimed many recent titles and has shown some maturity in attitude, it does not erase some antics by himself and his parents which were so disrespectful
of other players. It seems players walk a fine line between displaying confidence and arrogance. Roger and Rafael are more adept at it than others.
Of course, writers need column fodder, while commentators need to fill dead
airspace!
It must have been Rafa’s mum best birthday present ever , seeing her son take a 9th victory in Barcelona especially after his recent form . Great win Rafa
So so pleased for you Rafa you deserve what you win as you work so hard and after and not so good start to year you are now finding your confidence your Mum would have been so proud of you yesterday as well as the rest of the world
VAMOS RAFA!
😍🎾💪🇪🇸🏆👑😃❤️🎉🎂🎶🌸👏😘
Congratulations Rafa wish you all the best
A brilliant performance from Rafa today! Congrats and wish you many more success…❤️💋👏👏
Way to go RAFA!!! 🙂
And a very Happy Birthday to your Mom! 🙂 <3
The victory is soooooo sweet because we all know what he went through. He’s a great guy and champion for the sport.
Just imagine if we had left him when he was at his lowest point and then to witness this.
Belief is what RAFA has taught me over the years and I live by it.
RAFA fan forever
Amazing numbers by Rafa.