Laurence Dollimore
THE King of Clay is returning home to Mallorca following another career milestone in Barcelona.
30-year-old Rafael Nadal won his 10th title at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell in a comfortable victory over Dominic Thiem, just one week after winning his 10th Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.
He remains unbeaten in the Barcelona finals and has the best clay record than any other player from the Open Era.
He now has now won 51 clay tournaments, two ahead of previous record holder Guillermo Vilas, from Argentina.
“I’m very satisfied. It’s been an emotional day for me. Winning a 10th title here is something difficult to describe. Playing in front of my crowd and my club and winning the 10th title here is something that’s impossible to even dream of. It’s very special and unique,” said Nadal.
“I played my best match of the tournament this afternoon against probably the toughest opponent in the tournament, so I’m very happy.”
The world No.5 added: “Now is the time for me to enjoy these two weeks that are very special. I’ll go home to Mallorca and have some rest, then start to think about Madrid and Rome.
“They’re two very important events for me, so I’m excited about it.”
Nadal has sought to avoid discussing the French Open at Roland Garros, where he will be vying for his tenth title.
If victorious, he will be the first player ever to win a single major grand slam tournament ten times.
Please leave Rafa Nadal alone. What he has achieved in is life in tennis is exemplary enough. There is no need for him to prove his worth to the general public who can only admire or criticize Nadal. I personally hope Nadal wins more titles for his own sake and happiness. I personally dislike all Nadal haters who I feel should all simply perish in life. They are good for nothing.
Is there a way to beat Nadal at the Franch Open this year? This article has a humorous yet thoughtful take on it … http://www.138mph.com/do-a-sharapova-to-beat-nadal/