Rafael Nadal reached the final of the Barcelona Open for the tenth time by beating Horacio Zeballos 6-3, 6-4 this afternoon.
The nine-time and reigning champion needed just an hour and 34 minutes to see off the Argentine and set up a final against Dominic Thiem, who defeated World No. 1 Andy Murray 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in a high quality affair in the Spanish metropolis.
After the match, Rafa said he “wasn’t surprised” by Thiem’s first win over Murray in three attempts.:
Thiem is a specialist on clay, one of the best in the world. It will be a tough match for me, but I am just happy to be back in the final. (via AP)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on during his semifinal match against Horacio Zeballos of Argentina on day six of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on April 29, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
(April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
Photo: Barcelona Open
Rafa is going for back-to-back tournament successes having also won in Monte Carlo last week. Sunday’s final will be his fifth of the season for our champ as he primes his clay-court game for Roland Garros in a month.
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So happy not to have read through all the spam as in previous matches.
CONGRATULATIONS RAFA, I HOPE I HAVE TO KEEP SAYING IT.
YOU ARE THE ONLY STAR!!!!
YES, RAFA ROCKS
Yes, FIRST POINT and FIRST SET TO OUR RAFA!!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
RAFA ROCKS
A win today at Barcelona will add to your other nine wins and showcase another historic achievement for you, Rafa. Your second DÉCIMA.
WISHING YOU A WIN
RAFA ROCKS
All the best to you, Rafa in yet, another final this year. How wonderful for you and your team!
Thiem is a super-hungry and tough competitor but so are you. I look forward to you doing battle and playing with your point-by-point mentality, compassion and relentless spirit.as always!
Vamos, Rafa!
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Well don Rafa the king of clay.we love your fans for ever .good luck tomorrow🎾🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️😃😃😃
Vamos Rafa ! Keep up the great play !
Congratulations sweet Rafa and good luck on your 10.th tomorrow 🍀 I’m voting for you champ 💖
VAMOOS!! 🎾💪🏼😘
Your imoji artistry is second only to your enthusiasm for Rafa. Imoji on, Rafantastic. Please make something special for Rafa’s Barcelona DÉCIMA, if you have the time.
RAFA ROCKS
Thanks so much Margo 🤗🌷
Go get it Rafa❣️🇪🇸 🔟 🎉🏆🌟🤴🏻💕
VAMOS CHAMP! 🎾💪🏼😅👊🏼🐂🍀❤️
Wow-weeee Thank you. BEAUTIFUL RAFA ART…I wish he could see it.
RAFA ROCKS
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Thx. 💁🏼😁😉
Counting down for the finals…
C’MON RAFA! ❤️🎾🏆🤞🏻🍀
💖🅰️Ⓜ️🏵S❣️
And they’re on as you know. FIRST POINT OF MATCH TO RAFA. He loves that. May Rafa continue in this mode!
RAFA ROCKS
Looking forward to your 10th win tomorrow!
Good luck on your 10th tomorrow!
Congratulations, and continue the successful fight👊💪👍🏆👑❤️No fear-just
focus☯️
Congrats on a good win Rafa, but Thiem will be a stiff challenge if he plays his best. You will need to play your best too, but we know you can. Your fans want a second La Decima for you.
Good luck for tomorrow. You can do it <3
Rafa, I will have a toast in your honor when you bite your DÉCIMA Barcelona.
Good luck tomorrow.
RAFA ROCKS
Vamos Rafa, did not see the match but a win tomorrow would make it look quite vintage. We want the decima…..at RG!
As Rafa said, “I can’t think about Roland Garros now.” Or something like that. 🤔
One tournament at a time. He never gets ahead of himself. Smart dude!
RAFA ROCKS