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Sunday, May. 04, 2008
King of Clay; Nadal wins in Barcelona
By Sports Network
Clay court specialist Rafael Nadal defeated countryman David Ferrer to win the $1.29 million Open Sabadell Atlantico tennis event for the fourth straight time.
The top-seeded and world No. 2 Nadal needed three sets to dispatch of Ferrer, 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, on the red clay at Barcelona Tennis Club, and secure his 103rd victory in his last 104 matches on clay.
After converting three of five break points to secure the first set, Nadal was faced with seven break points against him in the second set, two of which Ferrer converted to level the match.
The reigning three-time French Open titlist Nadal, who was fresh off his fourth straight Monte Carlo championship last week, earned his 25th career ATP crown and his second this year.
"I'm very happy with this win," Nadal said. "Having won four times in Monte- Carlo and four times in Barcelona is something very special for me. It was a tough match, but I was mentally strong during the whole game and kept fighting. As David started playing better in the second set I tried to stay calm and focus on my game."
Meanwhile, the second-seeded Ferrer, failed in his bid for a seventh career title and fell to 3-6 lifetime against Nadal.
"Rafa had a very good start today," Ferrer said. "I came back playing good tennis in the second set, but again in the final set I kept fighting but he was just playing too good and he deserves to win. I don't know what you have to do to beat him on clay. Don't ask me."
Nadal collected $210,000 for his win.
