Rafael Nadal vs Pablo Carreno Busta: Barcelona Open Prediction | Preview | H2H Analysis

Another pulsating clash beckons between two Spaniards as the top seed Rafael Nadal locks horns against the sixth seed Pablo Carreno Busta in the semifinals of the Barcelona Open. 

Nadal vs Busta: Barcelona Open Preview

Rafael Nadal proved to be too good for the World number 58 Cameron Norrie beating him 6-1 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open 2021. The King of Clay had a solid day with his first serve winning 71% of points off it. 

On the other hand, Pablo Carreno Busta came through a titanic tussle against the fourth seed Diego Schwartzman in the quarter-final of the Barcelona Open 2021.

The Spaniard took the first set 6-4. Despite serving first in the second set, he lost it 6-3. Trailing 2-5 in the third set against Schwartzman, Pablo took three games in a row to make it 5-5. 

A crucial break of serve in the 11th game of the deciding set saw Busta move ahead with a 6-5 lead. He controlled his nerves to clinch it 7-5 and storm into the semifinals. 

The Spaniard fired 5 aces and clinched an impressive 71% of points on his second serve against the World number 9 Schwartzman. 

Nadal vs Busta: Barcelona Open Live Stream

The Barcelona Open semi-final match between Rafael Nadal and Pablo Carreno Busta is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM Central European Time and can be streamed via the 'Tennis TV' channel on YouTube. 

Tennis fans in the U.S can watch the Barcelona Open semi-final between Nadal and Busta on the ESPN+ platforms and the ATP's official streaming site, Tennis TV. 

Nadal vs Busta: Head to Head Record

Rafael Nadal comfortably leads the one-sided head to head record 7-0 against Busta. Pablo, the current World number 13 has not taken even a set off Rafa in four matches. 

"Tomorrow I have the toughest match on this surface that you can play, I will just try to enjoy the moment," said Busta showcasing his easy-going side ahead of the big clash against Nadal in the semis of the Barcelona Open.

Nadal vs Busta: Barcelona Open Game Analysis

Targeting a record 12th ATP-500 Barcelona Open title in his career, Nadal looks on course for another triumph. 

After rusty three-set matches each against Ilya Ivashka and former Barcelona Open champion Kei Nishikori in the first two rounds, Rafa stepped up his game by one level against Norrie. 

The Spaniard utilized his powerful forehand to the fullest potential and reduced his unforced error count to a great extent.

Busta won easily in straight sets each against Australian Jordan Thompson and compatriot Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the first two rounds of the ATP-500 tournament. 

He would be confident of putting up a good show after ousting the higher-ranked Schwartzman in the quarters. Busta is a natural clay-court player and won the ATP-250 Andalucia Open just two weeks ago. 

Playing a mind-boggling 13th Barcelona Open semifinal of his illustrious career, it is hard to go against Nadal as the 20-time grand slam champion always finds a way to get out of tricky situations.

If Nadal gets his return of serve on the mark against Busta, he can put his counterpart under severe pressure during the rallies. Though he won in straight sets against Cameron Norrie in the quarters, Rafa continued working on his game by hitting balls for 10-15 minutes in a practice court. 

Busta can unsettle Nadal with his patient style of play and by keeping the Spaniard far behind the baseline. The Spaniard has been very good with his second serve by winning an average of 71% of points on it. 

Prediction - Rafael Nadal to win the semifinals of the Barcelona Open in straight sets against Pablo Carreno Busta

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