The 2005 season was yet to enter the fifth month when 18-year-old Rafael Nadal had already claimed four titles. Nadal continued his stellar progress through the rankings and won his first Masters 1000 crown in Monte Carlo.
Instead of feeling satisfied after such a great result, or at least tired, Nadal was hungry for more already in the next week. The young gun beat a former Roland Garros winner Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-1, 7-6, 6-3 for his first Barcelona Open title
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A few weeks earlier in Valencia, Nadal needed under an hour to dismiss a former world no. 1 6-2, 6-1. He had to work much harder in Barcelona, bringing the victory home in two hours and 56 minutes. The youngster fended off eight out of nine break chances and stole the rival’s serve four times from 11 break opportunities.
Thus, he sealed the deal in straight sets and kicked off his incredible streak at one of the world’s oldest tournaments. With 800 ATP points claimed in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Rafa found himself in the top-10 for the first time the following day, making this success even more special for him.
After three solid holds on both sides, Nadal drew first blood in game four, converting the fifth break chance when Ferrero netted a forehand to open a 3-1 lead. The youngster cemented the break with a smash winner and grabbed another in the next game when the more experienced Spaniard hit a double fault.
Nadal wrapped up the set with an ace at 5-1, making the best start of the best-of-five title match.
Rafael Nadal claimed his first Barcelona Open title over Juan Carlos Ferrero in 2005.
Ferrero finally broke Nadal in the second set’s fourth game to move 3-1 ahead before Rafa broke back a few minutes later following his opponent’s loose forehand.
There were no more breaks of serve in the rest of the set, and the tie break was to decide the winner. The pressure on Juan Carlos, who did not want to find himself two sets to love down. Nadal kept his focus and fired a forehand down the line winner to clinch the breaker 7-4, becoming a clear favorite for the title after gathering enormous momentum.
That became even more evident after a return winner that sent him 2-0 up in set number three. He confirmed the break with a service winner and survived no less than five break chances at 3-1 to increase the advantage and show the mental toughness of a true champion.
Rafa made a comfortable hold in game seven, and Ferrero served to stay in the match in the next one. He delivered an excellent service game to extend his chances for at least a few minutes. However, his efforts were in vain, as Nadal sealed the deal with a hold at 15 at 5-3 to cross the finish line and celebrate the title after to a service winner.
Thus, Rafa kicked off his fantastic Barcelona journey as he did a week ago in Monte Carlo, forging his path toward clay-court greatness.
