BARCELONA OPEN BANC SABADELL 2012
Barcelona, Spain
by ATP Staff
|
28.04.2012
© AFP/Getty ImagesRafael Nadal is bidding for his seventh title in Barcelona.
World No. 2 Rafael Nadal set a repeat of the 2011 final with David Ferrer at theBarcelona Open Banc Sabadell after dismissing Fernando Verdasco 6-0, 6-4 in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Nadal is bidding for his seventh title at this ATP World Tour 500 clay-court tennis tournament, following triumphs in 2005-2009 and 2011, and takes a 13-4 career lead over Ferrer into the clash. He dropped just six games when they clashed in last year’s title match and has won 10 of their 11 clay-court meetings.
"It's even more special to reach a final at home," said Nadal. "I enjoy this tournament a lot. Tomorrow I will have to play perfect to have a chance to beat one of best players in the world. I will try to play aggressive and hope David doesn't have one of his best days."
The 25-year-old Nadal was ruthless in the 29-minute first set against Verdasco, reeling off six straight games and dropping just five points on serve. Verdasco offered more resistance in the second set, and did create three break points. He was unable to convert, though, and a break of serve in the fifth game sufficed for Nadal as he claimed victory in 85 minutes.
Nadal has won 76 straight matches on clay in the month of April and came into Barcelona on the back of winning his eighth-straight title at theMonte-Carlo Rolex Masters (d. Djokovic). He is bidding for his 48th tour-level title.
"Today I played a very strong first set, maybe the best I've had on clay so far this season," said Nadal. "To win in Monte-Carlo and to reach a final in Barcelona, no matter what happens tomorrow I have had a great start to clay season."
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