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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.

Update:
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.