BBC Sport · Apr 25, 2019
Barcelona Open: Rafael Nadal beats David Ferrer with improved display
Rafael Nadal said he could be "much happier" with his displayEleven-time champion Rafael Nadal gave a much improved performance to beat David Ferrer 6-3 6-3 and reach the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open.
Nadal, 32, lost a set for the first time in four years at the event in a win over Leonardo Mayer on Wednesday.
His struggles followed defeat by Fabio Fognini in Monte Carlo on Saturday, but here he dominated Ferrer.
The Spaniard will now play Jan-Lennard Struff after the German beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 3-6 6-2.
"I had to improve on yesterday, not just the result but overall," said Nadal, who needed four match points to seal the win.