Barcelona Open, Barcelona, Spain, ATP 500

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Semi Final Round Up

(1) Rafael Nadal bt (10) Philipp Kohlschreiber 6/3 6/3
(2) Kei Nishikori bt (6) Benoit Paire 6/3 6/2

 

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Barcelona Final

v

(1) Rafael Nadal v (2) Kei Nishikori

H2H: Nadal leads 8-1

2016 Indian Wells Masters QF Hard Rafael Nadal Kei Nishikori 6-4 6-3
2015 Canadian Masters QF Hard Kei Nishikori Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-4
2014 Madrid Masters F Clay Rafael Nadal Kei Nishikori 2-6 6-4 3-0 Ret'd
2014 Australian Open R16 Hard Rafael Nadal Kei Nishikori 7-6(3) 7-5 7-6(3)
2013 French Open - Roland Garros R16 Clay Rafael Nadal Kei Nishikori 6-4 6-1 6-3
2012 Miami Masters R16 Hard Rafael Nadal Kei Nishikori 6-4 6-4
2011 Miami Masters R64 Hard Rafael Nadal Kei Nishikori 6-4 6-4
2010 Wimbledon R128 Grass Rafael Nadal Kei Nishikori 6-2 6-4 6-4
2008 Queen's R16 Grass Rafael Nadal Kei Nishikori 6-4 3-6 6-3


Src: http://www.stevegtennis.com/
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[Moxie]

Nadal is going for his 9th title in Barcelona, and also a win would tie him with Vilas for most titles on clay. Nishikori has a 14-match streak going in Barcelona, being 2X defending champ. It's the perfect final. I'd like to see Rafa win, but losing to Kei here is not a disaster, if he plays well. I think he'll have the pressure, but he'll also have the crowd support. On paper Nadal should win. I'm sure it's going to go 3.

 

[Billie]

Maybe it goes to 3 sets, both guys have played well in the tournament. I am leaning towards Rafa winning it, but I don't want to say that Kei is without any chances. Looking forward to it.

 

[Billie]

I'm watching the first set and a half of Nadal v. Fognini, which I missed earlier. Has anyone else noticed Fabio's gut? People were calling Stan out for chubby, but this is a little shocking, and rather less than "fabulous."

Inactivity will get to everybody. This was F3's only 4th match after the injury. Mama's cooking and drinking put a few pounds on Fabio. He'll rectify that soon.

 

[Moxie]

Inactivity will get to everybody. This was F3's only 4th match after the injury. Mama's cooking and drinking put a few pounds on Fabio. He'll rectify that soon.

He's a good Italian boy who loves his mamma, but he'd better stay away from her cooking for now. Back to the regimen, and no wedding cake for him, either.

 

[Billie]

Both mamma and papa were in Barcelona with Fabio. Where was the other half, I wonder?

He did say he (and probably his fans) needed patience a couple of days ago. And apparently better eating habits.

 

[britbox]

Good hold from Nadal from 15-40. 2-1 Rafa.

 

[Moxie]

Early break for Rafa. A bit sloppy from Kei.

 

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Thread currently in live chat. Messages in live chat will be merged after the match into this thread.

 

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Nadal's really unloading that forehand. BP

 

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First Blood Rafa. Nishikori overcooks the DTL and Rafa breaks. 3-1 Nadal first set.

 

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3 Break Points for Kei. Good response.

 

[Moxie]

Hi, BB. Now Rafa's trying to give the break back.

 

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Rafa's getting disturbed by that baby crying in the crowd. Do you remember Ferrer lobbing a ball at the baby in similar circumstances? Anyway, gathers himself and saves his second break point.

 

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But not the third... and Kei breaks. Back on serve... and Hi Mox!

 

[Moxie]

Rafa's reaction was to smile. But he gives the break back.