The King Holds court in Barcelona
The streak reaches 72 matches. Rafael Nadal wins the Godo Open. And somewhere Roger Federer wrings his hands in fear.
On Sunday Nadal showed the world once again why he is the best player alive on clay. And perhaps why he will one day be number one period. Nadal hasn’t lost a set on clay since LAST year’s French Open against Federer. Nadal beat Canas in Barcelona 6-3, 6-4.
To get to the final Canas faced Agustin Calleri. It wasn’t exactly an easy semifinal. Canas cramped up, took treatment for his blisters, and had to break back against his opponent three times before sealing the victory.
Understandably, Nadal’s semifinal against David Ferrer went a bit smoother. Nadal took down Ferrer in the first set 7 games to 5, and the second set 6 games to 1. He was just paving the way toward the final.
Canas wanted to win in Barcelona badly. He gave Nadal his best during the first set extending the first 4 games of the match to 23 minutes. But Nadal knows clay like his backhand and moves around the court accordingly. After the lengthy opening of the match, Nadal got into the groove and soon dominated Canas. Though he lost the match Canas was proud of his play.
“I think my level was good today, the only difference was a few points,” Canas said. “I didn’t have the luck to beat Rafa today. But I am very happy with the way I played this week, to reach another final. I know I need to improve a few things, but I am not that far away.”
Well another tournament has come and gone and Rafael Nadal is standing above them all. He has proven he runs thing on clay and believe me he smells the approaching red courts of Roland Garros.
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