RAFAEL NADAL KING OF TENNIS

"I already have 11 titles here. The only bad thing is that this means that I am getting older, "Rafa Nadal joked at the end of his eleventh final at Real Club Tenis Barcelona, ​​the shortest in history in the number of games: 6-2-6-1, which is equivalent to 15 games, one less than those of the 2014 final between Kei Nishikori and Santiago Giraldo. The Majorcan also becomes the oldest champion of the tournament (31 years, 10 months and 27 days).

Nadal has lifted the Conde de Godó trophy for the eleventh time and with this Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell it puts him in the same orbit as the 1000 Masters of Monte Carlo, where he also won his eleventh crown. He has never lost in Barcelona. And this year by technical KO with an overwhelming score that marks the current difference between the best tennis player in history on clay and a serious contender to succeed him.

The match was not as thrilling because of that extraordinary difference, and served to admire once again the power of the Majorcan and his current physical form that makes him a player beyond the reach of any opponent.

"The most difficult thing is always to maintain the high level continuously," he said. The first day was not good, but I've been improving throughout the week.” Nadal has achieved the second title of 2018 as Roger Federer, Roberto Bautista and Juan Martín del Potro. Nadal will continue another week as number 1 in the world with the same 100 points of difference he had against Federer.

The Greek Tsitsipas, the sensation of this week in Barcelona, ​​was not able to do anything with Rafa´s incredible shots. Rafa had nice words to say about his opponent: "He is a fantastic player who only lacks the normal process of maturation for someone his age."

Nadal continues his unbeaten streak in sets, matches and finals. He is writing one of the most extraordinary pages in the history of tennis and sports in general.

Source: Barcelona Open

• Match photos

• Trophy Ceremony

Photos: AFP; AP; REUTERS; Getty Images; Barcelona Open; Quality Sport Images; EPA; EFE

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• Highlights

• Full match

• Interview

• Traditional jump into the swimming pool