Nadal, King of Barcelona
ByReuters
Published 24/04/2005 at 12:27 GMT
Rafael Nadal produced another devastating performance to sweep aside Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-1 7-6 6-3 in the ATP Barcelona final on Sunday. Ferrero put up some stiff opposition in the second set but Nadal was in irresistible form to wrap up victory in stra
TENNIS 2005 BARCELONA ATP Rafael Nadal final
Image credit: Imago
The 18-year-old Spaniard claimed his fourth ATP title of the year, following on from his victory in Monte Carlo last week where he became the youngest winner of a Masters Series event in 15 years.
"I'm delighted and feel incredibly happy with what have been an amazing two months," said Nadal, who also won on clay in Brazil and Mexico earlier this year.
The victory gave the Spaniard a 35-2 record on clay this year and allowed him to draw level with world number one Roger Federer 's 35 victories this season. It also assured that he would break into the top 10 when the new rankings are released on Monday.
"It's brilliant to be ranked number seven in the world as early as April and it's been a dream come true to win here and in Monte Carlo. It's been a fantastic two weeks."
Nadal, who beat Ferrero 6-2 6-1 in the first round in Valencia earlier this month, was given a tougher test this time.
HEAVY PRESSURE
Ferrero, who reached the semi-finals in Monte Carlo and knocked out French Open champion Gaston Gaudio on his way to the final in Barcelona, put Nadal under heavy pressure in the opening games with his punchy ground strokes.
But the Mallorcan stepped up a gear midway through the set and broke at the fifth attempt in a marathon 19-minute fourth game and then again in the sixth before wrapping it up 6-1.
The first set score did not reflect Ferrero's play and Nadal's serve was broken for only the second time in the tournament early in the second as Ferrero put away an overhead after coaxing his opponent to the net with a delicate drop shot.
Nadal broke back immediately, however, and there was nothing to separate the two players as the fiercely contested set eventually ran to a tiebreak.
The two players traded blows from the baseline, but it was Ferrero who cracked first and Nadal took advantage with a series of vicious forehand winner to claim the tiebreak 7-4.
Nadal broke serve in the second game on his way to a 3-0 lead with a stinging forehand and despite having to fend off five break points in the fifth game he went on to win only the fifth all-Spanish final in the 53-year history of the event.
"Nadal's in great form at the moment," admitted Ferrero. "I played well apart from making a few errors on crucial points. When you're on a high like he is everything seems to go right but it doesn't last forever."
Ferrero, who slumped down the rankings last year after illness and injury, is back in action next week at the Estoril Open in Portugal.
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