Rafael Nadal takes sixth title at 2011 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell
World Number 1 Rafael Nadal made history at the 2011 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell earlier today, winning the tournament for the sixth time in as many attempts. The top-ranked player, who defeated compatriot and fourth seed David
Ferrer in straight sets at the last match of the event at the Real Club de Tenis, has also recorded his 501th win this week.
The player seems elated by his victory, saying, “I feel at home here. It’s a very special tournament. It always has been as I grew up watching this tournament. It’s a historical tournament with a great tradition and great champions.
It’s more than a dream to win here six times.”
The top-ranked Spaniard celebrated his win at the tournament by taking a dip in the club pool, a tradition which has been carried on since the tournament began. The player, who is just a few titles short of 50 ATP final victories,
says, “I feel at home here. It’s a very special tournament.”
The match was not a difficult one for Nadal, although Ferrer did manage to give him a run for his money in the second set of the match. For several games, it seemed as if the second-highest ranked Spaniard would be able to drive
Nadal to three sets, but the fate of the trophy was never really under any doubt. This is the second consecutive title match in which Nadal has defeated Ferrer in straight sets, having ousted the player just a week ago in the 2011 ATP World Tour Masters 1000
Monte Carlo title match last Sunday.
The Spanish player did not take part in the tournament last year due to injuries, and Fernando Verdasco managed to win the Barcelona trophy in 2010. However, as Rafa states, “I'm very happy to come back and win here after not playing
last year. That was a difficult decision, it's a always a special dream to play in this tournament.”
However, the player will not have much of an opportunity for rest, as he jets off to prepare for the Madrid Masters as a warm-up for the French Open at Roland Garros.
Tags: