(Reuters) - World number two Rafa Nadal said his gruelling 6-4 6-7(6) 7-5 win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Barcelona Open final on Sunday could prepare him for long battles ahead in the European claycourt season. The 34-year-old, who claimed a record-extending 12th Barcelona title, suffered a back injury in Melbourne earlier this year before he was beaten by Tsitsipas in the Australian Open quarter-finals. It's true that matches like today make me feel better physically and more ready for long battles," Nadal told reporters. "I think I've been able to play better and better during the whole week in every single match and today was a bit better than yesterday. Nadal will next be in action at the Madrid Open in early May.

Source: The Star April 26, 2021 05:03 UTC