Nadal Beats Nishikori for Ninth Barcelona Crown

April 25, 2016 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Nadal_Crop_01_5
Photo credit: Lee Seidner

Rafael Nadal continued his torrid clay season on Sunday afternoon, downing two-time defending champion Kei Nishikori 6-4, 7-5 to win his ninth career Barcelona Open title.

“It was a very close match. There were a lot of chances for both of us but I think I have been solid,” said Nadal. “When you play against players with such a high level, the match is often decided by a few moments. So I feel happy that I handled all these important moments well.”

Nadal broke for a 3-1 lead in the opening set before Nishikori responded with a break of his own to bring the set back on serve. But Nadal had one more break in him and did so at 5-4 to close out the first set.

The Spaniard was then broken to begin the second set, but Nadal responded with four straight games to open up a 4-1 advantage. The see-saw second set would see Nishikori bring things level again at 4-4, but Nadal would break one more time to close out the two hour and four minute match.

Nadal has now 49 titles on clay-courts in his career, and his record-tying ninth in Barcelona.

“I have been working so hard to enjoy moments like this,” said Nadal. “The fact that I’m playing at home is always even more special. I’m very happy and I feel lucky to enjoy this again.”


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
Century

March/April 2024 Digital Edition