Rafael Nadal conquers Nicolas Almagro in title-round – Barcelona Open 2013
In an all Spanish encounter, former world number one Rafael Nadal outclassed Nicolas Almagro at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell 2013 on Sunday. He recorded a 6-4, 6-3 victory against his fourth seeded compatriot to grab his eighth title at this ATP (Association
of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 500 series event taking place in Barcelona, Spain.
Seeded second at this clay court event, Nadal breezed past Almagro in their 10th encounter in one hour and 32 minutes. As a result, he improved to a 10-0 lifetime in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series against the 27-year-old and jolted down his
39th straight win at this event.
The Spanish star was quoted in an interview after capturing the title:
“I feel very happy to lift the trophy once again here in Barcelona. It means a lot especially after the difficult year I’ve had. The conditions were very difficult today, especially in the first six games as it was raining a lot. I am extremely satisfied
about being able to defeat a player like Nico in straight sets in the final. 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.”
Nadal made a nervous entry into this match. He fell 0-3 down with two breaks of serve. However, the 26-year-old went berserk after that and reeled off four games consecutively. He got the breakthrough in the last game and eventually clinched the opener with
a 6-4 score line.
Currently ranked fifth in the Emirates Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Nadal maintained consistency in his game in the proceeding set. He swiftly bagged his entire serves with conviction and cashed one break chance in the fourth game, eventually sealing
the set with a 6-3 win.
This was Nadal’s 39th clay court tournament. With this title he became the first player to capture four titles this season. He has returned to action this season after a seven-month layoff from an injury he sustained at the Wimbledon Championships
2012.
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