Rafael Nadal will play for his tenth Barcelona title on Sunday after he defeated Argentinian Horacio Zeballos 6-3, 6-4.
Nadal earned the win with a single break in each set. with both players left-handed, Nadal had to adjust his attack, as he had gone to the backhand of previous right-handed opponents Kevin Anderson and Hyeon Chung. Nadal has had many meetings with Fernando Verdasco so facing another left-handed player offered no surprises.
Zeballos had defeated Nadal in a clay court final in Vina Del Mar. That was back in 2013, and remains Zeballos’ only career title.
Nadal lost just five points on serve in the first set, but was still forced to save three break points in taking the second set. Zeballos continued to fight gamely in the second set, again earning break points, but could not break and was broken himself.
Nadal will face Dominic Thiem for the title on Sunday after the Austrian earned his first career win over No.1 Andy Murray. They have met three times, all three on clay, with Nadal leading 2-1. Thiem’s win came in 2016 in Buenos Aires before Nadal atoned in Monte Carlo. Nadal’s rampant form is very different from the form that saw him struggle in 2015-16 and he must be considered the favourite for a tenth court.
Nadal will play for the title in a unique situation; able to enjoy a title match on a court named for him, the Pista Rafa Nadal. The Spaniard is looking for the second in “La Decima” After earning his tenth title in Monte Carlo, Nadal can win his tenth title in Barcelona. A tenth victory in Roland Garros would complete the triumvirate.
Zeballos can look back on one of his best runs at a 500 tournament, and the ranking points earned this week will solidify his Top 100 ranking, likely moving into the Top 70.
