The moment @RafaelNadal won his 12th Barcelona title! 🏆 The Spaniard ends Tsitsipas' winning streak 6-4 6-7(6) 7-5. #BCNOpenBS
Rafael Nadal saves match point to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thriller in the Barcelona Open
ATPSunday, 25 April 2021 at 19:53
Rafael Nadal claimed the 12th Barcelona Open crown after a thrilling final against Stefanos Tsitsipas, beating the Greek 6-4, 6-7, 7-5 in just under three hours and 40 minutes!
Stefanos made the strongest start, serving well and stealing Rafa's serve in game three for a 3-1 advantage. Unable to impose his strokes and move the rival from the comfort zone, Nadal faced two break points in game five that could have sent him further behind, fending off those and holding in game seven to remain in touch. The home favorite secured his first break of the match with a forehand crosscourt winner in game eight, gathering a boost and surviving three break chances in game nine to remain on the positive side.
Returning at 5-4, Rafa grabbed a decisive break that sent him in front after almost an hour, stealing the last four games and the opening set. The second set was even longer, lasting for over 80 minutes and providing drama and excitement. Like in the first set, the young Greek forged an early advantage, leaving the opener behind him and doing his best to force a decider and remain in touch. He broke in the third game before Rafa responded in the sixth, taking charge and creating two match points on the return at 5-4.
Tsitsipas saved those to extend the clash and moved 40-0 in front in the next game after gaining momentum. Rafa repelled those and brought the game home, with a tie break to decide the winner. From 6-4 down, Nadal hit two winners to climb back, only to hit a double fault in the 13th point and lost the set following Tsitsipas' service winner. In the final set, they stayed neck and neck until the tenth game when Nadal saved a match point, surviving in that game and winning three straight games to claim the title.
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