• ATP Tour

Deja-vu for Ferrer as Nadal powers to Barcelona crown

ESPN staff
April 24, 2011
Rafael Nadal is unbeaten on clay since June 2009 © PA Photos
Enlarge

Rafael Nadal got the better of David Ferrer for the second time in as many weeks to claim a sixth Barcelona Open title.

There was a sense of déjà-vu for Ferrer as he succumbed to the world No. 1 once more following his defeat at the Monte Carlo Masters. The world No. 6 was again denied at the final hurdle as Nadal powered to a 6-2 6-4 win in an hour and 49 minutes.

Regardless of the result, the title was guaranteed to remain in Spanish hands for a ninth consecurtive year stretching back to Carlos Moya's victory in 2003, but Nadal ensured his unbeaten run on clay continued to 34 matches.

Early pressure saw Nadal forced to save a break point, but Ferrer was left to rue his inability to convert his chances as Nadal responded immediately, snatching an early break before a comfortable hold to go 3-1 ahead.

A second break put Nadal firmly in control, and although Ferrer saw a glimmer of a chance, Nadal shut the door to close out the opening set before surging towards victory with an early break in the second.

At one stage the match looked destined for a third set when Ferrer, who refused to be discouraged, bounced back to take a 4-2 lead. But any hopes of a comeback were shattered as Nadal claimed four straight games to clinch his second title of the year.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices