The Guardian · Jun 14, 2015
Rafael Nadal wins Stuttgart title on grass two weeks before Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal celebrates winning the Stuttgart title for a third time but both the previous triumphs had come when the tournament was held on clay. Photograph: Thomas Kienzle/AFP/Getty ImagesRafael Nadal won his first grass-court final since 2010 after claiming a straight-sets victory over Viktor Troicki in Stuttgart.
The Spaniard prevailed 7-6, 6-3 in a match time of one hour and 26 minutes to win his third title in the German city.
The two previous triumphs, in 2005 and 2007, came when the tournament was held on clay, but the 29-year-old showed he is finding his feet on grass before Wimbledon by beating his Serbian opponent to win the Mercedes Cup.