Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrating with the trophy after winning the final against Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday — Reuters BARCELONA, Apr 30 (AP): Rafael Nadal continues to make winning on clay look all too easy.
Nadal extended his dominance on the surface with a 6-2, 6-1 win over 19-year-old Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday to win his 11th Barcelona Open title.
Nadal, who also won his 11th Monte Carlos Masters title last week, was never seriously challenged on his way to a 19th straight victory on clay. The top-ranked Spaniard has won 46 straight sets on clay, extending his own record. He hasn't lost on clay since facing Dominic Thiem in Rome last year.
"It's very difficult to describe how to win 11 titles at one tournament," Nadal said. "To win 11 Monte Carlos and 11 Barcelonas is something I couldn't imagine doing. I'm just enjoying every week and the fact I'm playing in a tournament that I enjoy so much means a lot to me."
It was the 77th title overall for Nadal, tying him with John McEnroe for fourth best in the Open Era. Only Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl are ahead.
Nadal, who won his 400th match on clay in Saturday's semifinal, needed the victory in Barcelona to secure his No. 1 ranking.
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