The results (final): At Hamburg: ATP bet-at-home Open: Rafael Nadal bt Fabio Fognini 7-5, 7-5.
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Rafael Nadal must avenge two straight defeats to Fabio Fognini to secure a record 47th clay-court title at the Hamburg Open.
Nadal saved it, broke back and was to capitalize on his first match point leading 6-5 on Fognini’s service to seal victory. “I think it’s been a great final, a very tough one which was up and down so I hope the people enjoyed it”, Nadal said before wincing and laughing through cramps on the winners podium.
Nadal is trying to prolong his streak of getting gained no less than one European clay courtroom title yearly since 2004. Nadal holds a 4-2 career edge over the Italian, the 2013 Hamburg champion. And this year with the up and downs that I’ve had, obviously every improvement is important.
He capitalised on his second match point to prevail 6-1, 6-2 in 80 minutes, firing 21 winners. I played at a very high level in the match.
“I am very happy with the victory, it is an important victory for me”.
Nadal will square off against Fognini for the third time this season at an ATP World Tour 500 event, with the Italian claiming a pair of upsets in Rio de Janeiro and Barcelona.
The Spaniard also had fewer unforced errors and converted 3 out of his 8 break point opportunities to take the opening set 7-5.
He booked a first career meeting against Kudla a qualifier who defeated Israel’s Dudi Sela 7-5 6-0.
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Both players were less than ideal on serve as Nadal was made to work hard for his success having surrendered a 3-1 lead to trail in the second set.
