Nadal Wins Record-Breaking Seventh Barcelona Open
World number two-ranked Rafael Nadal of Spain has broken another record this weekend after winning the 2012 Barcelona Open final in straight sets against fellow countryman David Ferrer, 7-6, 7-5. He is now the first player in the Open era to claim two tournaments seven times.
Nadal’s win in Barcelona marks his 21st straight victory on the clay surface and his eight overall at Monte Carlo. This is Ferrer’s fourth Barcelona Open final loss to Nadal, who was able to save 12 out of the 15 break points for his 34th straight victory in Barcelona.
”This is the hardest match I had on clay court this season, David always takes you to the limit,” said Nadal. ”A bit of it was lottery, luck fell on my side today.”
Nadal, a six-time French Open champion, showed resilience and constant play after he overcame Ferrer in a match which took long grinding rallies and great shot making from both sides. The players had early breaks before they settled for a slugfest type match which required many winners to land directly on the line.
Nadal was able to save seven out of eight break points in the first set and let Nadal get a 4-1 lead after he took the first set in 93 min. Ferrer was able to save a triple break point, and then Nadal broke back to lead 3-1.
"Like always, Rafa," said Ferrer. "I’ve lost four times but four times against a great."
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are the only two players to win on clay against Nadal.
