Rafael Nadal Claims 12th Barcelona Open Title

Men’s tennis World number two Rafael Nadal defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 6-7(6) 7-5 to claim a record-extending 12th Barcelona Open title.

Tsitsipas, who won his previous meeting with the Spaniard in the Australian Open quarter-finals in February, fought hard to stay in the match and saved two match points. The Greek won the second-set tiebreak to force the decider.

Nadal,34, was on the brink of defeat in the 10th game of the final set but recovered to win three straight games to overcome Monte Carlo champion Tsitsipas after three hours and 38 minutes. It was the longest ATP Tour match of the year.

The King of Barcelona retains his throne