Rafael Nadal vs Stefanos Tsitsipas: Barcelona Open Finals Prediction | Preview | H2H Analysis

The top seed Rafael Nadal sets up a fantastic final against the in-form second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Barcelona Open 2021

Nadal vs Tsitsipas: Barcelona Open Preview

Rafa outplayed compatriot and the sixth-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3 6-2 in the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open. The Spaniard won 74% and 64% of points on his first and second serve respectively and also fired 13 forehand winners. 

 Nadal maintained his unbeaten head-to-head record against Busta extending it to an excellent 8-0.

On the other hand, Tsitsipas ended the dream run of the 11th seed Jannik Sinner beating him 6-3 6-3 in a convincing victory in the other semi-finals of the Barcelona Open. The Greek claimed 72% of his first-serve points and also saved all 4 breakpoints.

Rafael Nadal leads the head to head record by a comfortable margin of 6-2 against Stefanos Tsitsipas. 

However, the last time these two players met was earlier this year in the Australian Open 2021 Quarter-Finals stage where the Greek came from two sets down to trounce Nadal 3-6 | 2-6 | 7-6 | 6-4 | 7-5.

Tsitsipas has beaten the former World number only once on clay, in the semifinals of the Mutua Madrid Open 2019 in three sets. They have also faced in the Barcelona Open finals previously in 2018 when Nadal won the match 6-2 6-1.

Nadal vs Tsitsipas: Barcelona Open Live Stream

The Barcelona Open Final between Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas can be streamed via the 'Tennis TV' channel on YouTube. 

Nadal vs Tsitsipas: Barcelona Open Key Insights

• Rafael Nadal is aiming to win a record 12th ATP-500 Barcelona Open title in his career.
• Stefanos Tsitsipas has never won an ATP-500 title so far having lost six finals in a row.
• The 'King of Clay' is playing a mind-boggling 69th final on clay courts and has a staggering win-loss record of 60-8.
• Tsitsipas has won his last nine matches in straight sets each.
• Nadal has never lost in the finals of the Barcelona Open.
• Tsitsipas has won 17 sets in a row.
• Tsitsipas can lift his 7th ATP singles trophy with a win against Nadal in the finals.
• Nadal has a 451-41 win-loss record on the clay surface (91.67%).
• Nadal has an impressive 65-4 win-loss record in the ATP-500 Barcelona Open.

Nadal vs Tsitsipas: Barcelona Open Game Analysis

With back-to-back straight victories in the last two matches against Cameron Norrie and Busta, Rafa has fine-tuned his game and has kept his unforced error count minimum. He has controlled the long rallies on the red dirt with his powerful forehand. The King of Clay has been very smart in his court coverage and moves the ball around areas where his opponents are very weak.

Tsitsipas has been the man to watch out on the clay surface in the past two weeks. He has continued his rich vein of form after winning his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title in Monte Carlo. The Greek is blessed with an all-round game and can play volleys, passing shots at the net, and also has a deep forehand. 

While Nadal can save even 2-3 breakpoints in a game with his never-say-die fighting spirit, Stefanos Tsitsipas will look to hit more cross-court one-handed backhand winners to put the Spaniard on the wrong foot. 

Nadal, with his immense experience at the Barcelona Open and good knowledge of the conditions in Barcelona will help him to grab the title though he has to use every ounce of his energy to oust the red-hot Tsitsipas.

Prediction - Rafael Nadal to win in three sets in the finals against Stefanos Tsitsipas and win his 12th Barcelona Open title

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