Rafael Nadal won a record-extending 10th Barcelona Open title Sunday by thrashing Dominic Thiem of Austria 6-4, 6-1, collecting his second claycourt title in a row. Nadal, who won the Monte Carlo Masters for a 10th time last week, romped to the title without dropping a set on the newly renamed Rafa Nadal court at the Real Tennis Club in Barcelona, and needed just 90 minutes to finish off Thiem.
Thiem had beaten the 14-times Grand Slam champion on clay in the Argentina Open last year and earned a place in the final by beating world No. 1 Andy Murray for the first time in his career Saturday, but he proved no match for Nadal.
The Mallorcan took a while to impose himself on Thiem on an overcast day in Barcelona with the cold weather slowing down the court.
Thiem earned the first breakpoint of the match but Nadal recovered and eventually took the first set by breaking his opponent in the 10th game.
There was no let-up in the second set from Nadal, who broke the 23-year-old Austrian twice in a row before serving for the championship and wrapping up his 51st tournament win on clay.
"I'm especially happy for these 10 victories in two tournaments that are as special to me as Monte Carlo and Barcelona, especially here as it's my club, and for the support of these incredible fans," Nadal told Spanish network TVE.
"It's a dream start to the claycourt season."
Thiem paid tribute to his opponent after Nadal's 71st tournament win in his career.
"First of all congrats to Rafa, 10 titles here and in Monte Carlo, it's unbelievable," he said.
"I really enjoyed the week in Barcelona. There are worse things than to lose against the greatest player on clay ever. I enjoyed it even though I lost and I really hope I can come back in the next years."
Next month Nadal will try to win a 10th French Open title. The last of his 14 Grand Slams was three years ago in Roland Garros.
Siegemund beats Mladenovic to win Porsche Grand Prix
Laura Siegemund defeated Kristina Mladenovic 6-1, 2-6, 7-6 (5) to win the Porsche Grand Prix in her hometown Sunday.
The German wild card entrant, who lost to compatriot Angelique Kerber in last year's final in Stuttgart, held on to win her second career title after Mladenovic had rallied in the second set.
"It's unbelievable. I'm a bit perplexed now. I think tonight will be the party of the year," said the 29-year-old Siegemund, who received enthusiastic support from the 4,500 spectators. "It was an unbelievable match. I don't know how I did it."
Mladenovic, who ended Maria Sharapova's return from her doping ban Saturday and Kerber's defense Thursday, was going for her second title of 2017.
The German wild card Siegemund advanced to her second final in her hometown with a 6-4, 7-5 defeat of fourth-seeded Simona Halep Saturday. — Agencies
