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Rafael Nadal Bests David Goffin, Chance At Another Barcelona Title

By Harry Floyd

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - APRIL 18: Rafael Nadal of Spain serving during his Mens Singles match against Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 18, 2018 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - APRIL 18: Rafael Nadal of Spain serving during his Mens Singles match against Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 18, 2018 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Rafael Nadal is into the finals yet again at the Barcelona Open. Like most events this time of year, Nadal remains the heavy favorite.

It is world No. 1 Rafael Nadal moving on for a chance at the title this week. He defeats fourth seeded David Goffin in their semifinals meeting. Nadal advances and will face Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece next. Tsitsipas is a young player in search of his first career ATP World Tour singles title. He has seen success on the Challenger and Futures circuits though.

Nadal is the heavy favorite in the Barcelona Finals. While Goffin stood one of the better chances against the world No. 1 this week, he could not get it done against Nadal.

The Spanish great takes the semifinals meeting in straight sets. Cruising to victory, he defeats Goffin 6-4, 6-0. The finals action goes down on Sunday in Barcelona. Nadal is a ten-time champion at the event and is also the defending champion this year. Previously, Kei Nishikori strung together back to back titles in 2014 and 2015, but it is Nadal who has largely dominated the event throughout the past decade. He is, after all, considered the King of Clay and comes alive during the middle months of the ATP World Tour.

Next: 2018 French Open Favorites

Rafael Nadal takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas for a shot at yet another Barcelona Open singles title. An upset win for Tsitsipas would also be his first ever on the ATP World Tour.

The finals run for Nadal is already impressive this week. Taking time off to rehab and recover from his ongoing leg injury earlier in the year, the Spanish great has bounced back in fantastic form. Tsitsipas should also consider the week a success win or lose. With Roger Federer out of the mix in men’s singles right now, Rafael Nadal is the player to beat on the ATP World Tour. Heading into action at Roland Garros next month, the world No. 1 looks to defend his title at the Grand Slam. Stay tuned to see if he can complete the title run at the 2018 Barcelona Open on Sunday.

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