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](https://img.asmedia.epimg.net/resizer/v2/SVBC4POE2FMTFGFSDUSA63ERCU.jpg?auth=7e75c78f69f95eed6d91e4b68119527332589603189af01c87e39234d6aa595d&width=360&height=203&smart=true)
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](https://img.asmedia.epimg.net/resizer/v2/2GWOVBU6ERM7DGTZFLOPLUQLPA.jpg?auth=33828eb8f4d4d450738d93c790f21f01da136a44bd89ebc440efd8b04dd9dfd6&width=360)
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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.