Nadal takes fifth Barcelona title

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:26

Nadal has now won 24 successive matches in Barcelona and has a 25-1 record in the event. His only loss came to countryman Alex Corretja in the second round in 2003, when he made his tournament debut aged 16.

Nadal, who has now won an incredible 124 of his 126 matches on clay, said on the tournament website, www.barcelonaopenbancosabadell.com: “I never imagined anything like this. To win again here in Barcelona, in my home club and at such an important tournament is incredible.”

In a repeat of the all-Spanish 2008 final Nadal sealed victory in one hour 45 minutes, racing through the first set before both players struggled with their serve at the start of the second.

There was a run of four games against the serve before Nadal found his rhythm again and, breaking Ferrer again in the 11th game before serving for the title.

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