text: Gerard Pique and chart-topper Shakira were in the stands as Kei Nishikori was crowned Barcelona Open champion for the second consecutive year after a hard-fought 6-4 6-4 victory over surprise Spanish finalist Pablo Andujar on Sunday. It was the ninth career title for the top-seeded Japanese, who again showed his improved endurance as he battled to come out on top against the world number 66. 'I didn't think about winning the tournament at the start of the week because of the strength of the players here, especially the Spanish, but now I am very happy,' Nishikori told reporters. Pop star Shakira and husband Gerard Pique attend the final during day seven of the Barcelona Open . Spain defender Pique holds his son Milan during the final of the Barcelona Open at the Real Club de Tenis . 'I knew that Andujar has a good backhand and my plan was to move the ball around a bit. It worked well in the last few games and then with the final shot I closed my eyes and it went in.' Andujar broke serve in the opening game with Nishikori making uncharacteristic mistakes and the score was 2-2 before either player held serve. Nishikori found himself being dragged out of position by Andujar, who had beaten third seed David Ferrer in the semi-finals but, despite racking up 13 unforced errors, he still managed to break his opponent again at 5-4 to win the first set. Pique played in Barcelona's 2-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday which kept them top in La Liga . The famous couple share a kiss in between points as Pablo Andujar missed opportunities to clinch the first set . Nishikori continued to make mistakes as the Spaniard went into a 2-0 lead in the next and then survived a break point to go 3-1 ahead. Yet the Japanese world number five rallied to level at 4-4 before, in Andujar's next service game, a double fault gifted Nishikori match point and a backhand down the line gave him victory. Nishikori exploded on the tennis scene last year, reaching his first ever Grand Slam final at the US Open and he will be among the favourites to win the French Open next month. Strong from the back of the court, he is well suited to clay courts, also having reached the final of the Madrid Open in 2014 where he had to retire injured against Rafael Nadal. After early mistakes in the first set put Andujar 3-1 up Kei Nishikori rallied to win in straight sets 6-4 6-4 . Nishikori was in the mood to celebrate a second consecutive year of being crowned Barcelona Open champion . Nishikori holds up the Japanese flag with the trophy after his second straight Barcelona Open title success .
target: Spain defender courtside with his wife Shakira at Barcelona Open .
  Pique played in Barcelona's 2-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday .
  Kei Nishikori won in straights sets over surprise finalist Pablo Andujar .
  World No 5 crowned Barcelona Open champion for second year in a row .