PHOTOS/VIDEO: Rafael Nadal became the champion of Barcelona Open for the 12th time!

2021 Barcelona Open FINAL Rafael Nadal bt. Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 6-7(6) 7-5

This is the second tournament where Nadal has captured 12 or more titles. The 13-time Roland Garros champion will return to No. 2 in the FedEx ATP Rankings on Monday.

"I think I never played a final like this in this tournament, so it means a lot to me against a player like him, [after what] he achieved in Monte-Carlo and [that he reached] the final here without losing a set," Nadal said. "It is an important victory for me. I think I have been increasing my level during the whole week and this victory confirms it. That's important for today.

"To have the trophy with me here at home means a lot, but at the same time for the future."

"It's about accepting the challenge," Nadal said. "It is about being humble enough to accept that sometimes you are not playing that well and you need to fight for it and you need to try to find solutions every day. That's what I did."

"For me, the simple fact of being able to play in Barcelona after last year's tournament wasn't held means a lot to me," Nadal told the crowd during the trophy ceremony. "After almost a year of not being able to experience playing in front of a crowd, these are incredible feelings. I really appreciate the love and support you all have shown me throughout my career. Playing in my club and in front of fans means a lot."

• Match photos

• Trophy Ceremony

• Rafael Nadal jumps in a pool after winning the Barcelona Open

Photos: Getty Images; AFP; REUTERS; AP

• Last game & Interview

• Trophy Ceremony

• Highlights

• Interview for RTVE