Rafael Nadal won the Barcelona Open for a record-breaking 10th time with a 6-4, 6-1 defeat Dominic Thiem on Sunday afternoon.
Rafa took a while to impose himself on Thiem on an overcast day in Barcelona with the cold weather slowing down the court. Thiem earned the first breakpoint of the match but Rafa recovered and eventually took the first set by breaking his opponent in the 10th game. There was no let-up in the second set from Rafa, who broke the 23-year-old Austrian twice in a row before serving for the championship.
It was Rafa’s 51st tournament title on clay and 71st career trophy overall.
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Dominic Thiem of Austria during their singles final match at the Barcelona Open Tennis Tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Rafael Nadal of Spain prepares to serve to Dominic Thiem of Austria during their singles final match at the Barcelona Open Tennis Tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates a point against Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem during the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament final in Barcelona on April 30, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO (April 29, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Dominic Thiem of Austria during their singles final match at the Barcelona Open Tennis Tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Dominic Thiem of Austria during their singles final match at the Barcelona Open Tennis Tournament in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 30, 2017. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory over Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem at the end of the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament final in Barcelona on April 30, 2017..Nadal won 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO (April 29, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory over Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem at the end of the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament final in Barcelona on April 30, 2017..Nadal won 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO (April 29, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory over Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem at the end of the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament final in Barcelona on April 30, 2017..Nadal won 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO (April 29, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates with his trophy after winning Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem at the end of the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament final in Barcelona on April 30, 2017..Nadal won 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO (April 29, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates with his trophy after winning Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem at the end of the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament final in Barcelona on April 30, 2017..Nadal won 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO (April 29, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Getty Images
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem at the end of the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament final in Barcelona on April 30, 2017..Nadal won 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO (April 29, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal poses with his trophy as he celebrates after winning Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem at the end of the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament final in Barcelona on April 30, 2017..Nadal won 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO (April 29, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal poses with his trophy as he celebrates after winning Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem at the end of the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament final in Barcelona on April 30, 2017..Nadal won 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO (April 29, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Getty Images
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal runs for a dive in the swimming pool flanked by ballboys after defeating Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem in the final of the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament in Barcelona on April 30, 2017. .Nadal won 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO (April 29, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal runs for a dive in the swimming pool flanked by ballboys after defeating Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem in the final of the ATP Barcelona Open “Conde de Godo” tennis tournament in Barcelona on April 30, 2017. .Nadal won 6-4, 6-1. / AFP PHOTO / Josep LAGO (April 29, 2017 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain dives in the swimming pool with ballboys after his victory against Dominic Thiem of Austria in their final match on day seven of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on April 30, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain dives in the swimming pool with ballboys after his victory against Dominic Thiem of Austria in their final match on day seven of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on April 30, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain dives in the swimming pool with ballboys after his victory against Dominic Thiem of Austria in their final match on day seven of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on April 30, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain dives in the swimming pool with ballboys after his victory against Dominic Thiem of Austria in their final match on day seven of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on April 30, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain dives in the swimming pool with ballboys after his victory against Dominic Thiem of Austria in their final match on day seven of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on April 30, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (April 29, 2017 – Source: Alex Caparros/Getty Images Europe)
Source: Reuters
Sorry I forgot to mention in my earlier comment about Rafa’s traditional swim after winning the title, it was posted on Twitter, for those of you who have an account.
congratulations champ once again you won barcelona. I see that your old fom is coming back very slowly keep on going.
I want to remind all of you what happen last year. He won mc and barcelona and then went to madrid. There he played and felt something in his wrist. Nadal then decided not to withdraw but instead carry on. He lost in the semifinal against murray and decided to ignore doctor advice and played rome there he lost against djokovic in the quarterfinal
At the french open the pain was too much and he had to give up. I hope he learned his lesson. I think he should skip madrid because that tournament is bad luck for the spaniard. It doesnt suit his game and is played on high altitude.
he has nothing to prove at that tournament everything should be in my opinion about reclaiming the french open title.
But should he decides to play madrid the moment he is feeling something or feeling tired he should withdraw and not finish that tournament
Rafa has just said the post final interview that the upcoming Madrid and Rome were two *very important tournaments to him* and that he onnly thought about RG AFTER those tourneys. So for now still no sign he has any intention of skipping any. Haven’t heard Moya say anything abt the clay schedule as well.
The only year when he won all 3 clay Masters and RG is 2010 when he skipped Barcelona. And that was 7 years ago at his peak.
It’s different for Novak to sweep the AO and sunshine double because the timing and schedule are entirely different. It’s much harder, almost impossible barring 2010 Rafa to sweep the whole clay season given how dense it is and how taxing for players to play long games, long matches on clay almost day in day out, week in week out plus the biggest event is saved for THE LAST.
If Rafa could in Madrid then Rome then RG this year, at the age of 31, without getting injured, then it would be A MIRACLE.
As much as I would like that to happen, I still prefer his chance of getting injured being as low as possibleand and hope he could keep up his consistency *after* RG and as well.
exactly 2010 he was 25 at that moment and at this prime. Why does he want to do that again at this moment in his career it should be all about winning grandslams.
Well said Rainier!
Joko swept sunshine doubles + AO when he is at his peak around 27-28. Look how he suffered last season. He got eliminated by Jiri Vesely at the second round of MC 2016 and took a long time to rest. He saved his best tennis for Roland Garros and eventually got his first one.
That’s how you play when you’re around 30s.
Rafa already made a record of “Clay slam” in 2010. I don’t think that is necessary to accomplish it again. May be he wants to be in top 4 seeds before RG starts??? Come on. Your level of tennis and fitness are most important. You still can win the slam even out of top 4. The example is… well Roger Federer.
Save your stamina for the slams Rafa. Hope someone could tell him!
Thanks, DMTNA. 🙂
Totally agree with you. The 4th seed is an advantage but not that important. He has the game already. What important is his health and his confidence, which are almost the same thing. If he wins one of Madrid and Rome, regardless of his result on the other; or if he reaches the final at Madrid *and* semis at Rome, he will be seeded 4th at RG.
It’s clear to outsiders like which option is better. If he wins Madrid he should skip Rome because that’s enough for the seeding thing plus he will have an extra week to rest, which is not much actually but still invaluable because of the timing.
If he wins Madrid and still feels not confident enough to head straight to RG, then I think we can only pray “nothing” will happen.
All that said, I think it’s always been the case that Rafa always needs to build his confidence on clay and by achieving that he tends to overplay and his health and the rest of his season suffer, which in turn makes his confidence suffer, like a never ending circle.
I still think he should have won USO 2008 had he not won (played) so much before that. He admitted by the time he arrived Beijing that year he had already been too tired, and that it’s already incredible that he could still win the gold medal and reach the semis at the USO afterwards.
Conclusion: he should have skipped Canada or Cincinnati or both, and frankly should not have played TWO singles matches in the DC SF that year and should have won the USO because back then no one could have stopped him winning it if he’s healthy enough.
Rafa already accomplished “Clay Slam” before in 2010. He doesn’t need to make it again. Skipping that fast bouncing tournament like Madrid would be the best. Hope that someone would tell Rafa this idea. He is 31 and needs to hold his best for the grand slams not for master 1000s.
So happy for you Rafa. You are my hero and such a joy to watch. Congratulations on today’s win as you so deserve this. 🎆🎆💥💥🎉🎉
Have a nicest week to rest then continue your conquest, Rafa. 🏆🏆🏆🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸
Congratulations again and again and again. I’m so happy for you and your team+family and all your fans. 😊😊😊
ENHORABUENA!!! CAMPEON D CAMPEONES…no habra otro en l historia como tu Rafa….m alegro por ti….ADELANTE!!!!
I don’t understand a word of what you wrote, but I could feel your happiness! 😊So a big thumbs-up for you!
I was getting ready to respond to your response to Amelia’s comment when your “sorry Margo” popped up. LOL
You got it right YB!
Amelia [my translation]
“Congratulations, champion of champions. There will never be another in history like you Rafa. I am happy for you. Forward!”
RAFA ROCKS IN ENGLISH, in SPANISH, in French, in Italian, in Danish, in Swedish, and a gazillion of other languages!!! ADELANTE CAMPEON!
Rafa has just posted on Instagram, great video apparently a tradition jumping in the pool after his win followed by I guess are the ball boys and girls 😀
You’re history! You’re legendary! You’re one of a kind! You’re a rare breed!!! You’re back in form!!! Vamoooos Rafa…..Congratulations!
YESSSSSSS! Congratulations Rafa ,I have run out of words to describe you, I can only say good luck in your next tournament , and I just can’t wait to see what you have in store for us at the French Open this year.😀😘🇪🇸🏆10
Yes! Congrats Rafa! What an incredible achievement! Not once but twice La Decima! Well done, and I feel you still have a few gears to go to should you require them.
Come on Rafa, Vamos, go for a clean sweep of all the European main clay events including the FO!
Felicidades Rafa. Que lastima que en unos lugares de Mexico no pasaron el tennis esta vez. Me hubiera encantado verte ganar.
Again bursting to tear when watching that video tributing Rafa at the ceremony…
But seriously, let’s not forget what happened last year. I know Rafa is on fire but i think he needs to rest. Skip that fast bouncing tournament like Madrid Open would not be a bad idea.
He has already written a history. It’s time to take a step back , rest and perfect his game. His first serve-in percentage is pretty low though his strokes are slowly coming back. Then playing at Rome for the closet condition to Roland Garros would be nice.
Me too, DMTNA. I’ve been praying that he would skip Madrid or Rome, preferably Madrid but the way things are going I think it’s either Rome if he wins Madrid AND gets exhausted, or none at all.
Not only a win Rafa, but a beautiful score: 6:4, 6:1. HIP-HIP-HOORAH!!!
RAFA ROCKS
Great match. So happy for Rafa. Enjoy the moment. Vamoooooos Rafa!!!
Rafa, I know you want to play Madrid but, as Beverley suggested, perhaps you should skip Madrid. I was thinking Rome, but I have to defer to Beverly. Her comment reminded me that Madrid is not one of your better tournaments. Yes, your country, but please explain to the royals that you want to be in the best possible shape in order to capture the FO title, and your third DIXIÈME. Without a doubt, they would LOVE for you to accomplish that. Trust me, they will comprendre.
RAFA ROCKS
Rafa, you are simply incredible!!! Match after match, I watched you in awe. How do you do that? Almost every opponent tried their best to stop you, to break you, but none has succeeded. Thiem played extremely well in the first set, but I could see how you broke his spirit one extra shot, one extra point at a time!
I’m so happy for you and for all your millions of fans around the world!
Fellow Rafa fans, let’s just enjoy these special moments! We’re witnessing history every time Rafa steps on the court.
Love, respect, and gratitude. Forever!
Sorry, Margo. It wasn’t meant to be a reply to you. Just a general comment. 😊
Congratulations my King of Clay. You played super, like the champ you are. Wish I was there to see you play in person! I’m 81 so time is running out. Will be praying for you at Roland Garros. Have a good rest my boy. Vamos Rafa. God bless. Your Aussie Abuela Nan Shirley. 🐂⏳👑🎈🎈😊😇😀
2nd LA DECIMA !!! hard to believe but when it comes to Rafa everything is possible.
Congrats champ
Yes, let that champagne flow. What incredible events. BACK-TO-BACK. MAY YOU CONTINUE, RAFA. SO VERY HAPPY FOR YOU.
You are a quiet sufferer, may you rejoice AS LOUD AS YOU CAN!!!
Congratulations Rafael!
Congratulations Rafa ❤️🤴🏼🏆🎉🍾😃
Good luck in Madrid 👍🏻🤞🏻🍀😘
CONGRATULATIONS RAFA, I can’t stop saying. YOU ARE JUST TOO MUCH….MAY YOUR REIGN CONTINUE.
Now you can give the bird to all those who doubted you, who said you were finished, who said you should retire, you get the picture. ROCK ON
RAFA TWO-TIME DÉCIMA WINNER ROCKS LIKE NO OTHER