david ferrer

The Japanese tennis player wins his first Godó Trophy in the 62^nd edition of the tournament. Kei Nishikori, ranked 17^th in the world, clinched his first clay court title after beating Columbian sensation Santiago Giraldo in straight sets and ascending five spots on the ATP rankings at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell. After just an hour and thirteen minutes of play the fourth seed defeated his opponent 6-2, 6-2, becoming the first Japanese player to win the title. The Asian no. 1 becomes the first non-Spanish tennis player to lift the trophy in twelve years. A surprising turn of events saw several high profile players exit early in both the Men’s Singles and Doubles Championship. The Men’s Doubles surprised the crowd as Dutchman Jesse Huta Galung and French player Stéphane Robert paired up on Friday amazingly clinched their first title.

This week the ATP World Tour 500 series is in Barcelona for the 62^nd  edition of the Conde de Godó Trophy, officially named Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell 2014. Rafael Nadal is the defending champion looking to retain his title, but the world no. 1 faces tough competition as the tournament features a strong lineup of some of the best clay court specialists in the world including fellow compatriot and four time finalist David Ferrer, one of the strongest contenders for the title. The lineup also includes former local resident Fabio Fognini, ranked 13^th in the world and also a member of Real Club de Tennis Barcelona.