Rafael Nadal cruised to his 11th Barcelona Open title with a straightforward victory over Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday.
The King of Clay won 6-2, 6-1 and extended his run of consecutive sets won on clay to 46 after recording the win in an hour and 18 minutes.
Rafa was never seriously challenged on his way to a 19th straight victory on clay. He hasn’t lost on the surface since facing Dominic Thiem in Rome last year.
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Alex Caparros/Getty Images
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Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Tennis – ATP 500 – Barcelona Open – Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899, Barcelona, Spain – April 29, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning the final against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas REUTERS/Albert Gea
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Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Alex Caparros/Getty Images
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the trophy after winning the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day seventh of the ATP Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 29, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the trophy after winning the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day seventh of the ATP Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 29, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the trophy after winning the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day seventh of the ATP Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on April 29, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
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GRAF5573. BARCELONA, 29/04/2018.- El tenista español Rafa Nadal (d), tras vencer al griego Stefanos Tsitsipas (i) por 6-2 y 6-1, en la final del Open BancSabadell-Trofeo Conde de Godó disputado esta tarde en las pistas del RCT Barcelona. EFE/Alejandro García
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Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Spain’s Rafael Nadal poses with his trophy after winning the Barcelona Open Tennis Tournament final in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 29, 2018. Nadal defeated Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-1 in the final. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Tennis – ATP 500 – Barcelona Open – Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899, Barcelona, Spain – April 29, 2018 Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas REUTERS/Albert Gea TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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It was the second consecutive week that he had won a tournament for the 11th time. He had become the first men’s tennis player in the Open era to win the same title 11 times at the Monte Carlo Masters last Sunday.
His 77th career title also ensured he retained the world No.1 ranking ahead of Roger Federer.
That s. Tremendous. Raf a. 11. X
And. Monte Carlo
I. Won t. Jinx. U. About. Roland. Garros
But. Bueno. Mucho. Gusto !?
Buenos. Tardes. Rafa
Rich
Wow Rafa, my hearty CONGRATULATIONS for such a great win.
Rest up, out on the boat from Mallorca, and onto Rome.
All the best for some well earned rest,
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Happy Monday to you Beverley.
I read that Rafa will stay in Barcelona until Madrid; for me that’s a red flag. He won’t be home resting and undoubtedly he has sponsor commitments to fulfill; hopefully it will be a light schedule. He is doing great things on court and I want him to continue doing so.
He is a beautiful sight in action. The articles I have read are full of gushing compliments on another unimaginable win and how he is obliterating his opponents. His scores tell the story.
May the King of Clay continue his reign, be it on clay, on hard, or on grass. He has won them all. I believe he will do it again.
RAFAMAZING ROCKS
I hope he is smart and not over play. He is playing Madrid and Roma for sure,but the biggest challenge and go ask is RG. This is the most important title for him to win. So keep your eyes on a big and major price,Rafa….RG is a must. Good luck
The biggest goal I ment above…is RG
On Monday, Rafa’s Barcelona undécima trophy will be housed in his academy’s museum.
RAFAMAZING ROCKS TROPHIES