Rafael Nadal vs Stefanos Tsitsipas Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Barcelona

Prediction published on 24/04/2021, 18:05  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 24/04/2021 at 19:06 in Tennis Predictions

Stefaos Tsitsipas won the Monte Carlo Masters last weeend and now bids to win the Barcelona Open. He takes on number one seed Rafael Nadal in the final on Sunday. The Spaniard has already won this tournament on 12 previous occasions. Tsitsipas has earned more ranking points than any other player this year and has already won 26 matches this calendar year. He didn't drop a set when winning in Monte Carlo last week, nor has he lost one in Barcelona. He's been in top form all year and is yet to be knocked out of a tournament before the quarter final stage. This is his third final of the year and he'll be out to beat Nadal on clay for the second time in his career.

It's 16 years since Rafael Nadal first won the title. His last win was in 2018 and the world number three hasn't had it all his own way this week. He nearly lost his first match, having to come from behind to get past qualifer Ilya Ivashka. Kei Nishikori, who has won this title twice gave Nadal another tough game in the next round. Not initially as he lost the first set 6-0 but levelled the match before Nadal won the final set. He's had an easier time in the last two rounds with straight sets wins over Cameron Norrie and Pablo Carreno Busta. Nadal will be out for revenge after being beaten by Tsitispas in the Australia Open this year. If he can win this match, he'll be back in the world number two spot. Tsitsipas is going to be a tough nut to crack though. With Nadal having a few problems here and in Monte Carlo, go for Tsitsipas to get the win here.