Rafael Nadal hung on to beat Fabio Fognini 7-5, 7-5 to win the Hamburg Open on Sunday, capturing the 47th clay-court title of his career.
Nadal saved a break point for a 6-5 lead in the first set, and after Fognini saved three break points, Nadal broke in the ensuing game to take the opening set. After coughing up a 3-1 advantage in the second set, Nadal had to save two set points before finally closing out Fognini.
“It was a great match, many great points, many breaks, we fought hard,” said Nadal. “I had many ups and downs. It’s an important title for me.”
Nadal will move up to ninth in the ATP Men’s Singles Rankings.
Brian Coleman
Senior Editor, Long Island Tennis Magazine
Brian Coleman is the Senior Editor for Long Island Tennis Magazine. He may be reached at brianc@usptennis.com.
