Red hot Rafa scorches Barcelona clay, wins 11th title

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World number one Rafael Nadal has once again underlined his invincibility on the red clay of Barcelona as he steamrolled Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-1 to win the Barcelona Open title for a record-extending 11th time.

Nadal came out firing on cylinders as he broke 19-year-old Tsitsipas, who had reached the final without dropping a set like his Spanish rival, to love in the third game and broke him again in the fifth in a rain-interrupted opening set.

Rafa Nadal during the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Barcelona Open. /VCG Photo

The second set saw a lopsided display as the clay court legend showed no mercy to his hapless rival and wrapped up the set as well as the match in style.

It took Nadal one hour and 18 minutes to clinch the title and register a mind-boggling 401st win on clay.

This was also his 77th title as he emulated John McEnroe in fourth place on the professional era title list. The Spanish ace is now only behind Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl on the all-time list.

(With input from the agencies.)