(April 30, 2017) Rafael Nadal defeated Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-1 to win his 10th Barcelona Open title on Sunday. This is the second straight week that the 14-time major champion has claimed a title for the 10th time, last week it was the Monte-Carlo Masters.
For Nadal this is his 71st career title, 51st on clay and second tournament win of the year.
“It means a lot to me to win 10 titles here in Barcelona as well,” Nadal said after the match. “To win in Barcelona and Monte Carlo gives me a dream start to the clay season.”
“I’m very satisfied. It’s been an emotional day for me,” Nadal said. Playing in front of my crowd and my club and winning a 10th title here is something that’s impossible to even dream of. It’s very special and unique. I played my best match of the tournament this afternoon against probably the toughest opponent in the tournament, so I’m very happy.”.
Thiem, ranked ninth in the world had a good week beating No. 1 Andy Murray in the semifinals.
“He was hitting to my backhand and I couldn’t really come out of it,” said the Austrian. “The next time I play him I have to change something. He didn’t hit many unforced errors and give me any free points. It’s difficult for any player in the world against him.
“I’m not used to playing two of the greatest players in two days. It was a great experience for me. It was two really good days for me and my game.”
In Budapest Frenchman Lucas Pouille won his second ATP World Tour title, beating Great Britain’s Aljaz Bedene for the Hungarian Open crown.
The win snapped Bedene’s streak at 16 matches, which included two ATP Challenger Tour titles this month in Sophia Antipolis and Barletta, and six wins this week as he raced through qualifying to the championship match.
“I feel very happy with the way I started the clay season,” noted the winner. “To win here gives me a lot of confidence for the future. It’s been a great week and it was nice to see the French supporters in the crowd… My goal for the next few tournaments is to be at 200 per cent of my capacity, so I will do everything I can to be ready.”
“I’m a little disappointed because I had problems with my finger and felt uncomfortable hitting my shots,” Bedene said. “I wasn’t close to the level I should be at to beat Lucas, but he was playing really well. It was like everything went in for him… If I’m going to lose to anyone, it should be against someone who is a good player and a good person, which Lucas is.”