It's not only a record-setting 9th Barcelona Open championship at stake for Rafael Nadal in his latest encounter with two-time reigning champion Kei Nishikori, a victory over Japan's no.1 would serve as his statement that he's back to take his throne as the King of Clay.
Rafael Nadal vs. Kei Nishikori 11:30 a.m US ET on the Tennis Channel, Live Stream on Tennis Channel Everywhere, Sports Stream / Scores & Stats on Pro Tennis Live
What's at Stake: Nadal has been red-hot the past two week, riding on a 9-match winning streak entering Sunday's showdown with Nishikori. Again, the prize money and title as the 9-time champ in Barcelona comes secondary for Nadal, because all the Bull of Manacor wants is to make a big statement that his victory at Monte Carlo isn't a fluke by beating a talented netter in Nishikori.
As for the up-and-coming Japanese star, winning over Nadal would validate his status as a contender at Roland Garros roughly a month from now. Nishikori has been a fine pro ever since he busts out in the scene 3 years ago, but still lacks enough marquee victories against elite contender. Nishikori knows this is his opportunity to shine against the guy who has been the gold standard on clay for over a decade.
Prediction & Predicted Winner: Nadal has an 8-1 lead in head-to-head matchups with Nishikori, but their last three matches were all competitive. Two years ago at the Madrid Masters, Nishikori pushed Nadal to the limit before conceding the title to the Spaniard while trailing 3-0 in the third set. That won't happen in this match, though it's going to be same competitive showdown between two excellent clay-court masters.
Like what he did the last time they met on clay, Nishikori will be coming out aggressive, trying to negate all the advantages Nadal has in this match.
The Spaniard, on the other hand, will continue to rely on his forehand shot that has been sizzling hot throughout the tournament. It's a battle of style in the finals of Barcelona Open, but the ultimate victor will be the one who can pull off the big points in pressure-packed situation. Nadal 6-3, 5-7, 6-4