Barcelona Open’s Kings: A Look at the Tournament’s Top Title Holders

The Barcelona Open, officially known as the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell and also called the Trofeo Conde de Godó, stands as one of the most prestigious and historically significant clay-court tennis tournaments globally. Held annually in Barcelona, Spain, this ATP Tour 500 series event draws top players and delivers thrilling matches. This article explores the male players who have etched their names in the tournament’s history by winning the most singles titles.

A Tournament Steeped in History

Founded in 1953, the Barcelona Open has a storied past. Initially a combined men’s and women’s tournament until 1980, it transitioned into an exclusively men’s event. The tournament is held at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on clay courts. The event was created at the initiative of Carlos Godó Valls, 2nd Count of Godó. Over the years, it has become a staple on the ATP Tour and a highlight on the Barcelona social calendar.

The Reign of Nadal: 12 Titles

Topping the list of Barcelona Open’s most successful players is none other than Rafael Nadal. The “King of Clay” has dominated this tournament like no other, amassing an incredible 12 titles. Nadal’s victories came in:

• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2008
• 2009
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2016
• 2017
• 2018
• 2021

Nadal’s dominance is so profound that the center court at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona was renamed “Pista Rafa Nadal” in 2017 to honor his achievements. He also holds the record for most consecutive titles, winning four in a row from 2005-2008. Throughout his 16 appearances, Nadal has won a whopping $3.8 million.

The Challengers: Multiple Title Winners

While Nadal’s record is unparalleled, several other players have enjoyed multiple successes at the Barcelona Open. Here’s a look at those who have lifted the trophy more than once:

1. Manuel Orantes (Spain): 3 Titles

   A Spanish legend, Manuel Orantes, secured three titles in 1969, 1971, and 1976.

2. Mats Wilander (Sweden): 3 Titles

   Mats Wilander, another dominant force on clay, also claimed three titles in 1982, 1983, and 1984. He boasts a remarkable undefeated streak of 12-0 in his first 12 matches at the tournament.

3. Roy Emerson (Australia): 3 Titles

   Roy Emerson, an Australian tennis icon, also won the title three times: 1961, 1963, and 1964.

4. Bjorn Borg (Sweden): 2 Titles

   The legendary Bjorn Borg won the Barcelona Open twice, in 1975 and 1977. In 1975, Borg, at only 19, defeated John Feaver, Jan Kodes, Guillermo Vilas, and Adriano Panatta to win the title. He won against Spanish legend Manuel Orantes in 1977 with a score of 6-2, 7-5, 6-2.

5. Carlos Alcaraz (Spain): 2 Titles

   The young Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz, is quickly establishing himself as a force on clay, winning the tournament in 2022 and 2023. He has an 11-1 record from his first 12 matches at the Barcelona Open. In 2025, Alcaraz beat American qualifier Ethan Quinn 6-2, 7-6(6) to reach the Barcelona Open last 16.

6. Kei Nishikori (Japan): 2 Titles

   Kei Nishikori secured back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015.

7. Ilie Nastase (Romania): 2 Titles

   Ilie Nastase was the champion in 1973 and 1974.

8. Herbert Flam (USA): 2 Titles

   Herbert Flam won the title in 1956 and 1957.

9. Andres Gimeno (Spain): 2 Titles

   Andres Gimeno was the champion in 1960.

10. Ivan Lendl (Czechoslovakia): 2 Titles

    Ivan Lendl won the title in 1980 and 1981.

11. Martin Mulligan (Australia): 2 Titles

    Martin Mulligan was the champion in 1967 and 1968.

12. Thomas Muster (Australia): 2 Titles

    Thomas Muster secured two consecutive titles in 1995 and 1996.

13. Manuel Santana (Spain): 2 Titles

    Manuel Santana won the title in 1962 and 1970.

14. Kent Carlsson (Sweden): 2 Titles
    Kent Carlsson won the title in 1986 and 1988.

15. Andres Gomez (Ecuador): 2 Titles
    Andres Gomez won the title in 1989 and 1990.

Other Champions

Here is a list of other Barcelona Open champions:

• 2024: Casper Ruud
• 2019: Dominic Thiem
• 2010: Fernando Verdasco
• 1979: Hans G’meisted
• 1978: Balazs Taroczy
• 1972: Jan Kodes
• 1966: Thomaz Koch
• 1965: Juan Gisbert
• 1959: Neale Fraser
• 1958: Sven Davidson
• 1955: Art Larsen
• 1954: Tony Trabert
• 1953: Vic Seixas

The 2025 Edition

The Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell continues to be a major event on the ATP Tour. The 2025 edition, which began on April 14 and concludes on April 20, features top players like Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, and Alex de Minaur.

Carlos Alcaraz began his Barcelona Open campaign with a victory over American qualifier Ethan Quinn. The win continues Alcaraz’s strong record at the Barcelona Open, where he won in 2022 and 2023. Alcaraz is eyeing a strong clay-court season as he prepares to defend his French Open title.

A Lasting Legacy

The Barcelona Open has a rich history and tradition, attracting the world’s best players and creating memorable moments. Rafael Nadal’s record 12 titles exemplify his dominance on clay, and the tournament continues to be a showcase for the sport’s top talent. As the Barcelona Open continues to evolve, it remains a prestigious event and a highlight of the clay-court season.