Rafael Nadal saved a championship point to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 7-5 on Sunday and claim a 12th Barcelona Open title in the ATP’s longest match of 2021.
Match highlights:
Match point and trophy ceremony:
An interview excerpt:
Rafael Nadal saved a championship point to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 7-5 on Sunday and claim a 12th Barcelona Open title in the ATP’s longest match of 2021.
Match highlights:
Match point and trophy ceremony:
An interview excerpt:
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Rafa, welcome back to world No. 2. Do your magic.
RAFAMAZING ROCKS
“World No. 3 Rafael Nadal might have spent some extra time on the practice court at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell recently, but he still found time for a great gesture for one of his youngest fans.
Former FC Barcelona player Neymar posted an adorable Instagram Story featuring his son, Davi Lucca, receiving any Nadal fan’s ultimate dream: a personalised video message from the Spanish legend himself.”
‘Davi Lucca, how are you?’ “Nadal said in the video as the youngster’s face quickly turned to shock.’I heard that you came to watch one of my matches recently. I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to greet you, but with the virus around it was impossible. Hopefully when this is all over, you can come back and we can meet properly some day. Sending a big kiss.’
“The son of the Brazil and PSG star has rubbed elbows with sports megastars like Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique, but it was Nadal’s video message that left him speechless.“
‘“You’re kidding. Mum, you’re lying to me,” he exclaimed, before literally jumping with joy. “Mum I’m so happy! He spoke to me… Nadal!’”
[SOURCE: ATP WEEKLY]
How sweet! Rafa is amazing on and off court.❤️
Congrats Rafa on a wonderful victory… This was an exciting match against a formidable opponent…. You had me on the edge of my seat!
Celebrate …and then it’s back to work!!
Looking forward to Madrid and hoping for the same outcome!!
VAMOS RAFA!!!
Rafa is back to No 2 in the rankings this morning. Not as exciting as winning that giant Barcelona trophy but it will help his chances in the majors. Go Rafa!
Congratulation Rafa for your 12 Titel, from The Canaries, eventhough you don´t win, Visca Rafa !! C. Javier
Congratulations champ Rafa. So very happy you made it to the final. Hope you build up your confidence fully well. You’re still the best and the master of clay court. Vamos champ Rafa. All the best to your next tournaments. God bless you and stay safe.👏👏
Well done rafa great match l have watched you since 2005 and will carry on watching you your a great human being and a fighter vamos rafa to you and family of course your team too xx
No fizz from the ceremonial champagne, but lots of fizz on court ! Rest your body and mind, Rafa and looking forward to seeing you re-energised in Madrid.
It is always a great pleasure to see you play!
Your’re the best Rafa🎾💪🏽
Congrats🏆🎾🏆🎾🏆
Congratulations to Rafa on his 12th Barcelona title; another record for someone to try to break.
With only a week before the start of Madrid, let’s hope Rafa can make a full recovery after such a grueling match. Madrid and Rome are back-to-back and surely the top players will in attendance. Waiting for the draws.
RAFA THE MARATHON MAN ROCKS
I would call it a slogfest, a marathon, each player giving everything to hug the top prize. So happy it was Rafa. Yes, I was worried about a tiebreak in the decider and glad it didn’t happen.
“Although the 2019 Nitto ATP Finals champion [Tsitsipas] would have preferred to depart Barcelona with the champion’s trophy, he will leave with an important lesson.
‘That the match is never over. It’s never over until the very last point. That’s what I learned today,” Tsitsipas said. “It’s very close, but you have to sometimes maybe do something extra.’”
[Source: ATP]
Yhoooo can someone block Gonzalo in this group, yhooo u are annoying, jelouse u, Rafa has wonw thanx tottering man upstairs
Glad Rafa won as it puts to rest my doubts about not winning this year in Barcelona . I look forward to Rafa building on this victory in Madrid . There is room for RAFA to play more dominant clay Court tennis so that Roland Garros will within his grasp . I think Rafa will get there and capture his 2qst Slam overtaking Federer . As an aside , Novak has proved himself vulnerable to losing as Karetsov outhit and outplayed him on his home turf . This is notable for us Rafa fans !
Jeffrey, maybe this type of match is what Rafa needed to prepare him for RG?
I realize that Rafa hasn’t played much for over a year but I feel as if something is just not right. I can’t explain it which is frustrating. I just hope he’s ok.
As for ND, let’s see how he does in Madrid and Rome if he plays. He didn’t sound very optimistic about the clay season but I don’t trust him for a second.
Margo, count me in, I don’t trust him either.
Allez allez King Rafa i am very happy Today the Lord guide you and your Family to
Please please King you should always observe The side that your Opponent make a lot mistakes and you press on his side each Time to lughten the Game i am your fan since you were junior since your Match with Gasquet ,i always keep your First shoes in my Rafa collection
I know that if you stop playing maybe i will stop watching Tennis 🎾
Great King Rafa you are the best of best
Hello Rafa fan 1,
Re my 12:08 AM post below, I didn’t realize I accidentally selected the “REPLY” button instead of the “Leave a Reply.” Sorry about that.
Well don Rafa congratulations I’m so happy for you 💪🏆💪🏆💪🏆💪🏆💪🏆💪🏆💪🏆💪🏆💪🏆💪🏆💪🏆💪🏆❤️🇺🇸
Well done champ.
All lies!
A little while ago Christopher Clarey posted his take on the four seasons: Winter, Nadal, Summer and Autumn.
It has been true in previous years and here’s hoping it will be this year as well.🤞
💪👍🤞
Of course I’m very happy that Rafa won but …… it was not a very convincing win. But you Rafa showed a lot of grit and determination.!
Congrats!!!!
Hope you keep improving from here on Rafa. Please!!!!
All the very best to you champ!!
Love you!
VAMOS
Thank you for the videos.🙏
Beautiful 🏆 congratulations Rafa.👏🎉 Enjoy your victory with your team and family!🥰
See you back in action soon, all the best.❤️
Mimi, next week, as you know, we should see Rafa on court in Madrid. I hope he gets well rested for the battles ahead. I can’t wait either. Hoping for another 🏆 for our number one. I am really excited and today feeling a lot more optimistic for Rafa.
Yes, it’s not too long before we get to see Rafa again.😊 Rafa and his fans needed a short break to recover from Barcelona lol
Good for you, Margo.🤗 BTW., I have watched the replay twice yesterday, I didn’t really watch the third set although I had TV and iPad on, too nerve wracking!
Congratulations Rafa . Which you the best. Love you.❤️❤️