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BARCELONA OPEN

Rafa Nadal beats Nishikori to equal Vilas’ record of 49 clay-court titles

The Spaniard beat his Japanese opponent in straight sets to claim his second trophy in quick succession after being crowned the champion in Monte Carlo last week.

Rafael Nadal with his 49th clay-court title
Toni AlbirEFE

Rafael Nadal equalled Argentine legend Guillermo Vilas's record of 49 clay-court titles with his ninth Barcelona Open after overcoming defending champion Kei Nishikori 6-4, 7-5 on Sunday.

Nadal poses with his trophy
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Nadal poses with his trophy JOSEP LAGOAFP

Fresh from winning the Monte Carlo Masters last week, Nadal has now won his opening 10 matches of the European clay-court season ahead of his quest to land a record 10th French Open in June.

Nishikori was left to rue a series of missed break point opportunities as the Japanese's 14-match winning streak in Barcelona came to an end.