Rafael Nadal reaffirmed his authority on clay when won the Barcelona Open title for a seventh time after beating David Ferrer 7-6(1), 7-5 in 2 hours and 40 minutes. The match was much closer than the score suggests as long rallies were a regular feature of the match with both players pouncing forehands from the back.

Nadal won the first set 7-6 after being down a break early in the set. Nadal played some fascinating tennis in the tie break to take the set in an hour and 33 minutes. With 2 aces and an average first serve percentage of 64%, it was Nadal who played a very good tie break. The total points won showed how close the set was with Nadal winning the 57 points as compared to Ferrer's 52.

The second set was a see saw battle, with both players exchanging breaks once mid way in the set and then at a really crucial juncture in the match. It was Ferrer who was serving for the match at 5-4 only to see himself broken back twice and to see the Championship slip away from him.

Nadal would be looking to continue this performance on clay and try winning the upcoming masters and then probably the French Open.