2018 Barcelona Open SF Rafael Nadal def. David Goffin 6/4 6/0
Next opponent - Stefanos Tsitsipas
The victory number 400 on clay of the best player in history on this surface was celebrated almost as the triumph of the tournament. Nadal had reached a milestone and against the only other top-10 left, the Belgian David Goffin, who showed a reasonable opposition in the first set, the record holder of 45 consecutive sets on clay since May 2017 won.
Nadal defeated Goffin in two sets, by 6-4, 6-0 in 82 minutes in another powerful exhibition that puts him out of reach of any other tennis player on clay, if he was not there already. Tomorrow he will play his eleventh final. In that round he has never lost in Barcelona. He will be the undisputed favourite in a match where he will face the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, the first meeting between both.
"David started brilliantly - Nadal said on the court-. I think I played a good first game, but I could not do anything. He served very well. And then was spectacular hitting many lines. After that I could raise a bit the intensity and everything changed. I think it has been my best match here against one of the most dangerous players in the world"
About tomorrow´s clash, Nadal praised Tsitsipas: "Young people are always special. And this boy is young and very good. I saw him last week against Goffin in Monte Carlo and these days in Barcelona and he plays very well, with attitude and aggressively in the decisive points. I will also have to be like that tomorrow. "
Source: Barcelona Open
Photos: AFP; Getty Images; EFE; AP; Quality Sport Images; Banc Sabadell
• Last game and On-court interview
Rafa's said David started the match brilliantly. He thinks that, in he game he was broken, he played well, it was all David's merit. Goffin was painting lines & playing at high level. Then Rafa upped his intensity & things changed.
Rafa thinks this has been his best match in the tournament and by far over the 2nd best and that's why he's been able to defeat one of the best players in the world
Alex tells Rafa if he has the feeling that he's improving every day. Rafa says once again that while you lose certain things as you get older, you add others. Only in this way you're able to stay at the top. He thinks he's been able to adjust to go on competing at high level.
Finally, Alex asks Rafa if he's seen Tsitsipas play. Rafa says he saw him vs Goffin in MC & also this week. Rafa thinks he's a very good player & young, who plays w/great composure at crucial times. So he thinks match will be tough & he'll have to be aggressive w/his FH as today. (Translated by Genny SS)
• Highlights
• Full match
• Post-match interview