Can anyone stop Rafael Nadal?
Another week, another clay-court crown for the World No. 1. Nadal stormed to a staggering 11th title at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on Sunday, dismissing Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-1.
Not even an early rain shower could stop the scintillating Spaniard, who extended his win streak on clay to 19 straight and sets-won streak on the surface to 46 in a row. It marks the second straight week in which he has completed an 'undécima', hoisting an 11th trophy at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters before replicating the feat at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona.
One day after joining the '400 Wins Club' on clay, Nadal hit yet another milestone. The Manacor native pulled level with John McEnroe for fourth place on the Open Era titles list with his 77th crown. Only Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl remain ahead of Nadal.
It was a soggy and breezy late afternoon in the Spanish metropolis, as Nadal began his quest for the title in threatening conditions. On multiple occasions, play was halted as rain drops pelted the clay on Pista Rafa Nadal. But Nadal's focus did not waver, maintaining his steely resolve to snatch an immediate break to love for 2-1.
Nadal used the heavier conditions to his advantage, as Tsitsipas struggled to respond to the weight of shots coming off the Spaniard's racquet. He had no reply to Nadal's forehand, which dictated rallies with masterful authority and command. The top seed's athletic prowess was on full display as well, striking a twirling over-the-shoulder volley winner to secure a 5-1 lead.
A wayward forehand from Tsitsipas would give Nadal an opening break in the second set and there was no looking back. The World No. 1 reigned in Barcelona for an 11th time as the teenager struck a backhand into the net. Nadal fired nine winners and benefitted from 23 unforced errors to prevail after 77 minutes.
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In the biggest match of his young career, Tsitsipas can only grow from the experience. Despite the loss, the #NextGenATP Greek solidified himself as a contender in the ATP Race To Milan with a quartet of signature wins during the week. He would stun Diego Schwartzman, past champion Dominic Thiem and home hopes Albert Ramos-Vinolas and Pablo Carreno Busta, all in straight sets, to reach his first ATP World Tour final.
The youngest finalist in Barcelona since an 18-year-old Nadal in 2005, Tsitsipas was also the first Greek man to reach an ATP World Tour title match since Nicholas Kalogeropoulos in Des Moines, Iowa in 1973. He emerges with 300 ATP Rankings points and €245,940 in prize money, soaring 19 spots to a career-high No. 44.
from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/2KnCA3T
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