Top seed Rafael Nadal extended his record number of Barcelona titles to 12 as he brushed off a slow start and shaky finish of the second set to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-7 on Sunday. It was Rafa’s second victory against Tsitsipas in the Barcelona Open final.
Our champ now has 87 titles overall while his career clay-court match record stands at 448 wins against just 41 defeats.
The victory, which took three hours 38 minutes, gave Rafa his 61st clay-court title and came against an in-form opponent who had won his maiden Masters crown in Monte Carlo last week.
“Winning the trophy here means a lot,” said Rafa who had only lost one set in 11 previous finals in the Spanish city.
“I have been increasing my level and this was an important victory for me.”
Four years ago, the centre court was renamed in the Spaniard’s honour as ‘Pista Rafa Nadal. No player has won an ATP 500-level tournament on more occasions.
Congratulations Rafa what a match, well played 😊xx
Just as everyone is saying it was an incredible match and our Champ is amazing x. 100. Rafa had to battle not only S. T. but also his own double faults, mistakes and nerves. It looked like the story of the day would be heart break after the second set but Rafa was determined to win.
This is not only another trophy for the Academy museum but much more. Rafa’s confidence is back. He will be the favorite for Roland Garros. His serve will continue to improve. Rafa will probably over take Medvedev for No. 2 via Madrid and Rome. Rafa beat one of the best on tour this year and a top five ranked player. His record of winning a championship each calendar year in intact.
Rafa still has work to do but he’s well on his way. I think his performance in tie breaks will improve with his serve.
Good Luck in Madrid Rafa!
David, I thought Rafa is back to #2 with today’s victory?
Rafa will officially be back at #2 tomorrow with 9810 pts. to Medvedev’s 9700.
Thanks Pauline.🙏
So wonderful to see Rafa winn such a close match against such a strong opponent. Congrats so many times – Rafa 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
What an amazing victory. Super match, match points came and went. Tough on the nerves. Both played great tennis. Rafa showed mental strength when 0/40 down for Stefanos to win. Bravo Rafa, absolutely thrilled for him. Such a champion. Raftans all over the world join in celebration of an extraordinary champion.
Applause! What a match! Well done Rafa for hanging in there and toughing this one out.
Wow wow wow!
Phew! I can breathe again. Well done Rafa. A sweet victory 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
congratulations nadal. your 87 title hopefully you will be able to surpass lendl who is at 94
Yes!!!!
Congratulations!!!!
Congratulations RAFA for a hard fought battle! I love how you never give up and keep fighting! 👏🏻🔥👍🎉❤️🥰
Congratulations to all dear Rafans…Phew what a grit, what determination by both Gladiators…Love you Rafa n congratulations on a huge win after such a long time…You are a real champion
Onto the Madrid open
#12thBarcelonaopentitle
Yeahh, amazing! 👏🏻🥰🥳 Huge Congrats, Rafa Champ 🤗❤️ – VAMOS!! 🎾💪🏼😃
That is a very special win for Rafa, considering how he was last week and the abilities of Tsistsipas. Wow, what a match! It was impossible to predict how it would end but it’s so good to see that Rafa’s fight is as strong as ever. Congratulations Rafa!!
Totally agree!👍
Congratulations to Rafa!🥳🥳🥳
What a match. Wow, wow, wow. So happy for Rafa. Take rest and keep confidence out of it. Vamos Rafa❤️
ENHORABUENA!! Rafa, partido de infarto, gracias por el partido qie habéis ofrecido, GRANDE RAFA, SIEMPRE CONTIGO OOOO!!!!!
Well done, dear Rafa!
Yes, Rafa wins the Barcelona title again! Vamos!
What a game, what a victory, what a champion, VAMOS!!!
Vamooooooosssssssss!!! 😃, well done our champion,i knew it, I knew it!!!
Sabía que ganarías, te lo mereces!!!
👍🏻👏🏻💪🏻💪🏻🙌🏻👌🏻.
ORGULLOSOS DE TÍ RAFA, SIEMPRE 🙏🏻😌
Bravo!! Fenomenal !!