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Journalism of Courage
Rafa Nadal became the first player to win four titles this year when he defeated fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-4 6-3 to win the Barcelona Open for the eighth time in nine years on Sunday.
Since returning from a seven-month absence with a left knee injury in February,the world number five has reached the final at all six events he has played,his Barcelona triumph adding to the victories in Sao Paulo,Acapulco and Indian Wells.
Im very happy. It has been an important week for all the Spanish players here and especially for me, Nadal told Spanish television. It is an enormous honour for me to win here again.
Having lost his Monte Carlo Masters crown to world number one Novak Djokovic in last Sundays final,Nadal was on the back foot again against Almagro in a shaky opening. The fourth seed made a whirlwind start,breaking Nadals first two service games in cloudy,drizzly conditions on the clay of the Real Club de Tenis.
Nadal battled back with three breaks of serve to take the first set,lifting the rain-soaked crowd with one particular rally which he eventually won after having played a shot backwards between his legs.
The French Open champion broke again early in the second set and steadily pulled away to secure a 10th successive victory over his compatriot and a 39th consecutive win in Barcelona.
Nico started really strongly,and it was very difficult at the start. The conditions were tough for both of us, second seed Nadal said. It didnt start very well for me but luckily I was able to get the very important break at 3-0 down.
Im pleased for Nico for his great week. Hes having a great season and I wish him all the best for the future.
Sharapova defends Stuttgart title
STUTTGART: World number two Maria Sharapova successfully defended her Stuttgart Grand Prix title with a 6-4 6-3 victory over second seed Li Na of China. Sharapova found it easier against Li,with her serve setting her up for her second consecutive victory in the indoor arena.
The top seed snatched a break at the start with a sizzling backhand down the line that left Li stranded. Li sent a crosscourt backhand into the net to give the Russian another break and allow her to go 4-1 up.
The Australian Open finalist bounced back in the next game and grabbed her own first break when Sharapova sent a forehand long. Sharapova,however,quickly established a double break cushion,and then served out the first set.
With a superb first-serve figure of 76 percent throughout the game,she kept her opponent pinned to the back and earned her second title of the year when Li double-faulted on the first match point.
Sania-Bethanie lose final
Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands ended runners-up after losing the final to Sabine Lisicki and Mona Barthel 4-6 5-7. (Agencies)
