The Spaniard defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in his home country today, 6-4, 6-7 (6), 7-5, winning a record-extending 12th Barcelona Open title. The momentum between the two competitors went back and forth throughout the match, but Nadal was able to come through on the centre court named after himself. Afterwards, Rafa jumped into the pool, as is tradition for the winner at the tournament:

Coming into the match, Tsitsipas was undefeated on clay courts this year at 9-0. This time of the year is all about slowing revving up on clay courts for the French Open, and Stefanos looks to be ready to go after finishing second to Nadal here and winning the Monte-Carlo Open last week, which is known as the tournament most used to see who’s prime for Roland Garros later on in May. Nadal is the annual favorite as his owns the French Open, but I’d put the Greek superstar as my second favorite to win, with the World #1 Novak Djokavic coming in close behind in third. The French Open starts next month on May 23rd.

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