After Brief Rest Nadal Heads To Madrid

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 30th April 2013

Conde de Godo Tennis Tournament in Barcelona

After Brief Rest Nadal Heads To Madrid

epa03679140 Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Canadian player Milos Raconic at their Conde Godo Tennis Tournament's semi final match in Barcelona, northeastern Spain, 27 April 2013. Nadal won the match 6-4 and 6-0. EPA/TONI ALBIR |

If there was any lingering doubt after his Monte Carlo loss to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal has reconfirmed and regained his status as king of clay with his eighth Barcelona open title from the last nine editions. Nadal’s 6-4, 6-3 win over Spanish compatriot Nico Almagro marked the fourth title of the season for the world No.5, most on the ATP.

Nadal appears to have eased all memories of the dreary seven months he spent on the sidelines from last summer as he recovered from knee injuries. Since his return to the courts in February, the 26-year-old has played in six finals – every event he has entered – and walked off with his haul of trophies.

Nadal now owns 54 career titles. “I am very happy, it’s been an important week for me to win here again and a great source of joy after everything I have been through,” said the player who suffered his only Barcelona loss a decade ago as a teenager.

“I’ve played just six tournaments this year but have been in the finals of all of them,” said the Spaniard who is now into second place in the season points race behind Djokovic. “I’m in the top 10 and I’m getting my tennis back.”

Nadal is now rated as a solid title threat – again – for Roland Garros which starts in a month. He will take a few days off before traveling to the Madrid Masters which begins at the weekend.