(August 2, 2015) Top seed Rafael Nadal won his second title in Germany this year stopping Italy’s Fabio Fognini 7-5, 7-5 in Hamburg in just over two-and-a-half hours on Sunday.
The win, which give Nadal his 47th clay court title, puts him just two trophies behind Guillermo Vilas at 49. Nadal has 67 career crowns.
The Spaniard who was serving for a 4-1 lead in the second set, eventually had to save two set points.
“It was a great match, many great points, many breaks, we fought hard,” Nadal said. “I had many ups and downs.”
“I lost the last two times against him, so I knew it was going to be a tough one. I think I had a great attitude the whole match, very positive, fighting for every ball. I had some tough moments on court, lost opportunities, but every time I came back and I kept fighting with the right mentality. I’m very happy for the victory. It is an important victory for me.”
The title this week will move Nadal’s ranking up to No. 9.