Bryan brothers receive Barcelona “Player 10” Award by Segura Viudas

Former World No. 1s Bob and Mike Bryan received the "Player 10" award by Segura Viudas from Manel Serras, President of the APT (Association of Tennis Journalists in Spain) on Thursday. The award is given during the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell each year to the player that demonstrates both strong tennis skills and good human qualities.

The Bryan twins have clinched a record 110 ATP titles, including all Grand Slam tournaments, during their impressive career. This year, they aim to lift their third Conde de Godo Trophy in the Catalan capital.

“We love coming to Barcelona,” said Mike Bryan. “We have great memories here. In 2003 we tied Tim and Tom Gullikson’s record for the most brother titles.”

"This is very important not only to us but also to our mom because she wants us to not only be good players but also good persons," added Bob Bryan, who was excited to receive the trophy.

source:http://www.barcelonaopenbancsabadell.com/en/news/bryan-brothers-receive-barcelona-player-10-award-segura-viudas

Nadal storms past Montañes for quarter-final birth .

Eight-time Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell champion Rafael Nadal dismissed fellow Spaniard Albert Montañes in only 65 minutes 6-2, 6-2 today to set up a revenge match against Italy’s Fabio Fognini, who ousted the Mallorcan in the Catalan capital one year ago.

On the road to equaling Guillermo Vilas’ historic feat of 49 titles on clay, the Mallorcan World No. 5 dominated his rival from the start. In four matches, Montañes has never won a set against Nadal, who aims to clinch his triple-nonet this week, winning nine titles in three events including Monte Carlo, Roland Garros and eventually Barcelona.

“I started off very well, and it felt really good. I’m happy about the victory and very happy about the way I played today.” told Nadal TV commentator Alex Corretja on the Center Court. “I had a great forehand today and the conditions were much better than yesterday.”

Against Fognini in Friday’s quarter-final, Nadal will aim to avenge last year’s early third round loss at the Real Club Tenis Barcelona. The Spaniard leads the head-to-head against his Italian rival 6-3. Last year, the pair met five times, with three victories for Fognini (including the U.S. Open).

“Tomorrow will be a tough match against Fognini, he beat me three times last year and it was an up and down against him.” said Nadal

In-form Fognini saw off Serbia’s Viktor Troicki 6-3, 6-2 on Court No. 1 on Thursday.

source:http://www.barcelonaopenbancsabadell.com/en/news/nadal-storms-past-montanes-quarter-final-birth