Rafael Nadal defeated compatriot David Ferrer 6-3, 6-3 in the third round of the Barcelona Open. Nadal reaches the quarterfinals of the tournament with this victory. He has also won 17-consecutive matches at the event. David Ferrer was playing for the last time in this tournament. He will retire from tennis next month after competing at the Madrid Masters.

Rafael Nadal entered the match aiming for his 60th victory at the Barcelona Open. While David Ferrer, playing the penultimate tournament of his career was giving his last shot against Rafael Nadal.

The 37-year-old was exhilarated before his matchup against Nadal. ” I have the chance to play with Rafa which is a gift,” said David Ferrer before the match. He added, “Of course it is going to be very special to play with Rafa. He’s a very good friend, one of the very best tennis players in history.”

Rafael Nadal was equally excited about his match against the longtime friend, David Ferrer. He said, ” He’s a good friend, one of the best players that we have been watching the last 15 years. It’s going to be a special one, and he’s playing well.”

Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer met for the 32nd time in their careers. Nadal extends his head-to-head to 26-6 against the fellow compatriot.

After coming out of a tough opening service game in the opening set, Rafael Nadal broke Ferrer’s service in the fifth game. The World no. 2 won the first set 6-3 following the 45-minute rain delay after the 8th game.

Rafael Nadal took the momentum to the second set, winning the breakpoint in the first game of the second set. Ferrer fought back in the fourth game of the second set, breaking Nadal’s serve for the first time in the match. But he could not hold his serve in the next game, after putting a half-volley into the net. Rafael Nadal capitalized upon the lead and won the set 6-3.