Rafael Nadal wins tenth Barcelona Open title

Rafael Nadal from Spain retained his title and achieved his tenth victory in the Barcelona Open on Sunday by defeating Austrian player Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-1 in just 1 hour and 29 minutes.

Nadal, 30, who is currently ranked number 5 in the world, won his 71st professional title - 51 on clay courts. This comes just a week after his victory at the Monte Carlo Masters, proving that he is ready for the French Open, the biggest clay court event, which starts in one month and where he will also be aiming for his tenth victory.

Playing on the court that was renamed Rafael Nadal this year by the organizers, the Mallorcan tennis player showed patience in defeating Thiem, who held on for an hour and 15 minutes before crumbling in the final quarter of an hour against his opponent's strength.

Nadal has set the record for most victories on the Barcelona clay court, winning from 2005 to 2009, from 2011 to 2013, and finally in 2016 and 2017.

Thiem (No. 9), who is 23 years old and had defeated world number one Andy Murray in the semifinals, battled on a cold and humid afternoon in Barcelona. Nadal, precise and as fast on his feet as he was in his prime, took advantage of his first break to win the first set.

In the second set, with the wind in his favor, Thiem became increasingly prone to errors. Nadal took a 3-1 lead and then won the next three games to close out the match.

Nadal will continue his preparation for the French Open in Madrid and Rome. The tournament starts on May 28th and the Spaniard will attempt to win the title again, three years after his last Grand Slam victory.