Rafael Nadal Wins 8th Title At Barcelona Open 2013; Will He Win French Open?

Rafael Nadal won the Barcelona Open this Sunday for the 8^th time; Nadal defeated his opponent Nicolás Almagro, 6-4, 6-3. The win at the Barcelona Open marks his fourth win for 2013 and 54^th career title win.

Nadal trailed early 3-0 in the first set due to the aggressive play from Almagro, however he fought back and broke his fellow Spaniard in three of his next four service games, Nadal then took the lead indefinitely.

The Barcelona open was important to Nadal following a tough loss to top-ranked Novak Djokovic one week ago at Monet Carlo, where Nadal held a 8-year reign.

"I am very happy," Nadal said. "It has been an important week for me to win here again and a great source of joy after everything I have been through." This latest victory provides Nadal with necessary momentum when entering the French open next month.

The win also serves as promising sign that Nadal is back to full strength after a knee injury that sidelined him for several months, the Barcelona Open marked 6 straight finals after returning following the injury.

Nadal has won all 10 meetings with the 12th-ranked Almagro. Opponent Almagro had only love and admiration for Nadal stating, "He showed again why he is the best player in history on this surface," Almagro said, adding he'll try to win the title next year "if Rafa let's me."

Nadal has been very impressive since his return following a seven-month knee injury, and the tenacious athlete has his sights set on taking home an eight title at the French Open, no one other than Roger Federer has been able to beat Nadal at the French Open since his debut in 2005. If Nadal can win next month at the French Open that will give him 8 titles at the French Open, Barcelona Open, and Monte Carlo.

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