Rafael Nadal saved one championship point on Sunday to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-7(6), 7-5 and amass a record-extending 12th Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell trophy.
The top seed was one point from defeat at 4-5, 30/40 in the decider, and he held up the momentum from that moment to win three straight games and overcome the Monte-Carlo champion in the longest ATP Tour match of the year (3h38m).
This is the second tournament where Nadal has captured 12 or more titles.
The 13-time Roland Garros champion, who failed to convert two championship points at 5-4 in the second set, will return to No. 2 in the ATP Rankings on Monday.
Better luck next time Stefanos. You did us proud today.
Nadal 's big titles on clay
13 French Open titles
12 Barcelona Open titles
11 Monte Carlo Masters titles
9 Rome Masters titles
5 Madrid Masters titles
