Nadal wins 11th Barcelona Open title
BARCELONA: Rafael Nadal continues to make winning on clay look all too easy as his preparations for an unprecedented 11th French Open title clicked into overdrive.
The Spaniard extended his dominance on the surface with a 62, 61 win over 19yearold Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas yesterday, claiming his 11th Barcelona Open title.
Nadal (31), who also won his 11th Monte Carlos Masters title last week, was never seriously challenged on his way to a 19th straight victory on clay.
He has won 46 straight sets on the red dirt, extending his own record.
Nadal has not lost on clay since Dominic Thiem’s surprise win in Rome last year.
‘‘It’s very difficult to describe how to win 11 titles at one tournament,’’ he said.
‘‘To win 11 Monte Carlos and 11 Barcelonas is something I couldn’t imagine doing.
‘‘I’m just enjoying every week and the fact I’m playing in a tournament that I enjoy so much means a lot to me.’’
It was the 77th title overall for Nadal, tying him with John McEnroe for fourthbest in the Open Era.
Only Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl are ahead.
Nadal, who won his 400th match on clay in Sunday’s semifinal, needed the victory in Barcelona to secure his No 1 ranking.
‘‘It’s hard for anybody to imagine all the feelings and emotions I have when I play here,’’ Nadal said.
‘‘Hopefully, I can keep coming back for many more years to come.’’
Nadal will be at unbackable odds to defend his French Open title next month at Roland Garros.
The 63rdranked Tsitsipas was trying to become the first Greek to win an ATP Tour title.
He was the first Greek to make it to an ATP final since Nicholas Kalogeropoulos in 1973.
‘‘I knew the chances to win were small but my confidence was rising in every match, and while I was expecting a little better today, congratulations to Rafa,’’ Tsitsipas said.
‘‘It was a first experience and tougher than I thought.
‘‘I’ve watched him millions of times on TV, but it’s tougher to face him in reality.’’
Tsitsipas was the youngest finalist in Barcelona since 2005 and was seeking to become the first unseeded champion in the tournament since Gaston Gaudio in 2002. — AP