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 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.
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.