Nadal wins in Barcelona

April 24, 2014 | 09:50

(0) user say

Rafael Nadal began his bid for a record ninth title at the Barcelona Open on Wednesday with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 defeat of journeyman Albert Ramos.

Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning over his countryfellow Albert Ramos during the ATP Barcelona Open "Conde de Godo" tennis tournament in Barcelona. Nadal won 7-6, 6-4. (AFP PHOTO/JOSEP LAGO)

BARCELONA: Rafael Nadal began his bid for a record ninth title at the Barcelona Open on Wednesday with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 defeat of journeyman Albert Ramos.

Nadal, the top seed, put his loss last week in the Monte Carlo quarter-finals to Ferrer out of his mind in a match lasting just over two hours against compatriot Ramos in a battle of left-handers.

Nadal's second-round win lifted his record at the event to 41-1.

"It was a positive victory for me," said Nadal.

"I didn't play my best match, but after the defeat in Monte Carlo, the next match on court was never going to be easy. I am happy with the way I fought and proud of the victory today.

"I had to accept that I was going to be made to work today and that I'm not playing at my best level - but I got through it."

Nadal spent 64 minutes in claiming the opening set against Ramos, ranked 103, who also lost to Nadal here in a 2013 quarter-final.

Nadal found his comfort zone in the second set to secure the win and a Thursday match against Croatian Ivan Dodig, who hammered Spanish 13th seed Feliciano Lopez 6-1, 6-4.

AFP

What the stars mean:

★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional