Nadal wins first title on grass since 2010

Stuttgart — Rafael Nadal defeated Viktor Troicki 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 yesterday to become the first man to win clay and grass titles at the Stuttgart Open. The Spanish top seed set another minor career record, adding the grass honours to his clay successes in 2005 and 2007 at the Weissenhof Club. Stuttgart switched to grass from this edition in order to become part of the new three-week Wimbledon run-up.

Nadal’s 66th career title marked his second this season after claiming a trophy on South American clay in February. The Spaniard now owns four grass titles including two at Wimbledon and 2008 Queen’s Club, London.

Nadal finished with 11 aces as he beat Troicki for the fifth time — Reuters.