Rafael Nadal secured his sixth singles title of 2017 – and 75th of his career – by beating Australian Nick Kyrgios 6-2, 6-1 in the China Open final. The world number one took control from the start and captured his second Beijing title in 92 minutes.
Rafa clinched his second break to take the first set, and despite a spirited response from Kyrgios who forced break points in the third game of the second, there was no stopping our champ.
After the match, Rafa said:
In 2005 when I won here I never thought that in 2017 I would still be playing tennis! I’m very happy to be here and to win the title.
For me this is a very important victory. It’s great to have a team like this behind me during a great season.
Our champ will go into Shanghai as the form player after dropping just two sets and saving two match points in the first round on his way to his second China Open title.
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Nick Kyrgios of Australia during the Men’s singles final match on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Nick Kyrgios of Australia during the Men’s singles final match on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against Nick Kyrgios of Australia during the Men’s singles final match on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with his trophy after winning the Men’s singles final match against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses with his trophy after winning the Men’s singles final match against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Emmanuel Wong/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winner’s trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain sign to the fans after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy poses for a picture after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy poses for a picture after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses for a picture with the winner’s trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Etienne Oliveau/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy poses for a picture after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses for a picture with the winner’s trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Etienne Oliveau/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses for a picture with the winner’s trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Etienne Oliveau/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hold the winners trophy poses for a picture after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Rafael Nadal of Spain poses for a picture with his team holding the winner’s trophy after winning the Men’s Singles final against Nick Kyrgios of Australia on day nine of the 2017 China Open at the China National Tennis Centre on October 8, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Oct. 7, 2017 – Source: Etienne Oliveau/Getty Images AsiaPac)
More to follow…
Vamos Rafa, GOAT!
Yay, Rafa done did us all proud.
From almost losing in the first round, to winning the title. Super incredible! Makes me wonder what he could have done at AO 2016 if he hadn’t lost to Verdasco in R1.
Coulda woulda shoulda.
But today, Rafa played a beautiful match. Kyrgios lost his head, but that’s his problem.
On to Shanghai! Congratulations Rafa!
Well don Rafa anather title vamossssssssssssss Champ .🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍🇺🇸❤️🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆❤️
Congratulations to Rafa, his team, and all us fans! Like all of you here, i’m so happy and proud! Another great week of tennis from Rafa. Is it possible that after climbing all the Heights in more than a decade, he is still getting better and better? By the way, Rafa returned from way behind the baseline today. It worked out magnificently!!
The way he played yesterday against Dimitrov is I think as good as he can be on the indoor HC. Hitting very deep, and hitting without fear. Dimitrov faced a completely different player yesterday than he faced a year ago. I am celebrating all these wins, definitely. But at the same time I can’t stop and think that a lot of years have been wasted, accepting the status quo of 2014, 2015 and 2016 and waiting three full season before bringing in the new coach, who, as it we can clearly see now, has almost from the start brought strategy, confidence and silverware.
The Greatest!
Mohammad Ali still remains the greatest
He was marketed as the greatest, by himself. He actually lost quite some matches and would not stand a chance against the heavy weights of today. He was crowned the greatest after he ‘beat’ that ‘Big Bear Sonny Liston’. Who clearly was forced by the mob to throw the fight. Twice. Ali in fact was scared to death of Liston, when he met him outside of the ring once. At six feet and a quarter of an inch, Liston has a reach of 6ft7 and enormous fists. Ali was ‘made’ the greatest, not just by his own efforts.
Maria your comment was not needed. Rafa is the greatest (tennis player). One of the greatest athletes ever.
Jean your follow up is in bad taste too. Not needed. And wrong too. Ali only started losing after the government stole him his prime. Heavyweights today are a joke, boxing today is a joke compared to Alis era. Frazier, Foreman thats unheard competition. Ali was crowned greatest by the people, for more than his profession. He was a living superhero. He fought the government, sacrificed his prime for his beliefs, stood up for the poor, literally saved lives. A beautiful human being just like our Rafa.
Fue un GRAN PLACER verte ganar en Beijing!!!!! Eres nuestro CAMPEON EXTRAORDINARIO!!!! Te deseo mucha suerte en Shanghai!!!!!
A strong performance from Rafa to secure the title.! As ever, he showed the qualities of a true champ because, as Nick went into meltdown, throwing his toys out of the pram after one bad line call at the start of the match, Rafa remained calm, focused and untroubled by the antics going on. Speaking of toys, given that Nick was squeezing the toy given to him at the ceremony so hard, I wonder if he was thinking of the lines person in question at that moment! 🙂 😖
Nick has a lot to learn from Rafa about mental fortitude, the will to win and determination to fight, even if things aren’t going his way. Rafa offered some wise words of advice to Nick at the presentation ceremony. He reminded Nick that he played great in Cincinnati to beat him and in China all week, so he must keep going because he has a great future in tennis. It’s up to Nick as to whether he listens, as only he will be the architect of his own success or failure.
As for Rafa, it’s been a really good week at the office and now he must take as much rest as possible to go into battle again in Shanghai. One thing’s for sure, Rafa will give nothing less than one hundred percent!
Simply so good, Rafa in this form.
I have been smiling non-stop even after the award ceremony was over. So happy for Rafa. He has proved himself time and time again. No matter how I saw it, Rafa just wouldn’t lose this match (some of you might have read my lengthy rambling about this match in the other thread :p), despite all the hype, “fear” and their H2H on fast surfaces.
Well done, Rafa. So proud of you. Now please recover well and continue to conquer Shanghai. It would be a big shame if you can’t at least make the final with the way you are playing.
Unless Rafa is too tired or something happens, he should be a clear favourite for Shanghai right now, not Fed, not Zverev, Cilic or Kyrgios.
“He was pretty unplayable”, said Nick in the award ceremony. Never seen him getting that dominated in a match he’s clearly invested in.
Vamos! 💪🏻💪🏻🇪🇸🇪🇸🏆🏆
Congratulations, Rafa. So glad you are still playing in 2017. Unbelievable perfomance by you. Always so professional, focused and relentless as usual. Eye on the ball every single point coming down the pike from Nick. Love your consistency and intensity as always.
Enjoy this sweet victory, another hard-court title for you right after the US Open. Way to go.
Also a shout out and much appreciation to your team in your box, Francis and team. Everyone on your team gives you such great support and input as always. Enjoy!
Congratulation Rafa well played match.enjoy victory
I was dreading this match – wow!! Even as a fan I underestimate Rafa. Nick has a lot of hype around how great he is. This shows there are none greater than Rafa.
Hi Teresa. As ususal a lof of people underestimated Rafa before this match as well, including his fans. He has made a career out of proving people wrong. But many times it feels so good to be wrong, doesn’t it? 🙂
It does indeed:):):)
Well guys, the level we saw yesterday and today is really exceptional!
Teresa, you are not alone. My heart was pounding just before the match, anticipating a serving onslaught from Nick, but happily that didn’t happen. To me Rafa is an exemplary A grade student of the game of tennis. He does his homework and works so hard to reap his rewards on court. Win or lose, he is constantly seeking to improve an add extra elements to his game. That’s why I love the guy!!!
Super Rafa! Lovely to see you play this way after such a long time. 2017 has been a wonderful year so far and I hope you can reach the heights in Shanghai and Paris and the rest of matches this year.
Of course look after your body – that is no. 1 on the list.
Such a happy feeling to see you winnning – playing so well!
Keep it up!!!!
VAMOS!!!!
Rafa, you may not believe how happy I am after your win in China. I am on top of the world.
Such a shame Nick has to behave like he did in the first set, but it was lovely of Rafa to congratulate and encourage him duing his speech. So well played by Rafa though, he was able to deal with Nick’s serve much better then Sascha Zverev could yesterday. That gorgeous trophy is thoroughly deserved!
LOVE YOU RAFA. CONGRATS FOR THE WIN. A VERY BIG THANK YOU , FOR ENTERTAINING US AGAIN, AND AGAIN, WITH ALL THE LOVELY TENNIS YOU PLAY.
ALL THE BEST FOR SHANGHAI OPEN.
PLEASE DO REST. 💔💗💜❤💓💚💟💞💖💛🌻🌼🌺🌾🌸
Congratulations AGAIN Rafa. So very happy for you. That was some beatdown. Get your trophy, do your presser and prepare for a Masters in Shanghai. Don’t forget that “prepare” includes resting your body.
RAFA ROCKED BEIJING AGAIN
What a great effort by Rafa…!!
Nick wasn’t playing at his best level or perhaps Rafa just didn’t allow him to.
I couldn’t watch the match, just had to follow live scoring so I don’t really know what happened to Nick
I read a comment on another site that Nick was tryinng to distract Rafa by disruptive behaviour and if that was true it certainly didn’t work.
Rafa will go into Shanghai full of confidence and fortunately this match wouldn’t have tired him out. Hopefully he won’t have to play until Tuesday or even Wednesday if possible.
I don’t think Nick wasn’t trying to distract Rafa, he was just being Nick on a bad day unfortunately. He got angry about a line call in the first game and didn’t let it go for the rest of the set. Ended up getting a warning, actually two I think, for swearing and a penalty point deducted. Rafa was as professional as ever, just ignored it and kept playing. Nick still played very well for the most part I thought, but Rafa was never really in danger, he was too confident and too good. Lovely to see.
Obviously you were paying attention. It was an incorrect line-call that set Nick off. Some feel that Nick was ready to break at that point had the ball not been called out. Nick challenged and the point was replayed.
There is no excuse for Nick’s behavior; he just couldn’t let it go, to his detriment.
RAFA ROCKED BEIJING AGAIN
Sorry for the unintentional double negative in my post – I meant to say, I didn’t think Nick was trying to distract Rafa. Too excited to check my typing 🙂
Perdon 2005 en 2013 fuiste finalista…pero siempre LUCHADOR CAMPEON!!!
Great match. So happy for you. Enjoy the win, take rest and than a good flight to Shanghai. Vamos Rafa <3
congratulations champ another title. But i rather see you winning sjanghai, paris and atf. But i understand you wanna build up confidence for the further tournaments. Listen to your body very carefully.
Well done Rafa, Nick needs to watch & learn from the masters of the game not throw in the towel !
YES RAFA! Way to go – you played brilliantly. Congratulations on your China Open win champ 🎾💪🏼😍👏🏻🇪🇸🏆😃😘 VAMOS!! 🤗
Congratulations Rafa,Absolutely delighted for you.👏😀
Well done rafa – another title. But a disappointing final for one which had so much potential, cos of nick. Cmon nick sort yourself out – some of us like to watch a good fought match especially in a final.
OK OK OK OK OK OK ….CAMPEON!!!!!ENHORABUENA…vuelves a levantar este trofeo como en 2013…ADELANTE!!!! Siempre contigo en los malos y buenos momentos…