Nadal staves off Dolgopolov's late challenge to clinch Rio title

World No 1 Rafael Nadal beat Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-3, 7-6 (3) to claim the Rio de Janeiro Open on Sunday.

Nadal took the first set quite convincingly but had to pull out all his reserves in the second. Dolgopolov fought back and threatened to stretch the match into the third set when the match was forced into a tie-break.

But the experienced Spaniard did well to hold on and win the 2nd set 7-6.

Nadal was presented his trophy by legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldo.