Rafael Nadal wins ninth Barcelona Open

Spain' s Rafael Nadal won on Sunday the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, also known as Conde Godo tournament, for the ninth time by defeating Japan' s Kei Nishikori.

Nadal' s 6-4, 7-5 victory gave him the 49th clay-court title equaling Guillermo Vila' s record. It was Nadal' s 69th title. The Spaniard also won nine Roland Garros and nine Montecarlo Rolex Masters, which he recently won a week ago.

The match lasted two hours and four minutes and ended Nishikori two-year reign in Barcelona.

"I was playing against the world' s number 6, and if you do not play at your best you are not going to win" , Nadal, who ranks 5 in the world, said, pointing out that "in the second set I missed several chances, and at the end it was very close, but I stayed mentally strong and I am very happy with that" .

He thanked the organization of the tournament and said "it is a very special feeling playing at home" , where he won another eight times, in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

He also mentioned his team thanking them for helping him on a daily basis: "without you everything would be much more difficult" , while congratulating Nishikori on his lasts successes wishing him "all the best for you, your team and all the season" . Enditem