Rafa Continues Clay Court Dominance With 39th Career Clay Title in Barcelona
April 29, 2013 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg
Rafael Nadal won his eighth Barcelona trophy in nine years, defeating fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 6-3 in the finals of the 2013 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, his 39th clay-court crown. It was Nadal’s 39th straight match win at the ATP World Tour 500 event, taking 80 of the 82 sets he’s played, and remained undefeated against Almagro in 10 career head-to-head matches.
“I am extremely satisfied about being able to defeat a player like Nico in straight sets in the final," said Nadal. "I played better and better as the match went on and the break at 1-3 in the first set was vital for me. In the second set, things went smoother and I managed [to do] well in all the difficult moments.”
Since making his comeback from a seven-month absence with a left knee injury in February, Nadal has reached the final at all six events he has played. He became the first player to win four titles this season, in Sao Paulo, Acapulco and Indian Wells.
"This win doesn’t mean much," said Nadal. "Just that I am in good form since I have come back. The results are fantastic. I would never have imagined them and they are better than I had dreamed. I am back playing at a high level."
