• Gerry Weber Open

Nadal hits the ground running in Germany

ESPN staff
June 14, 2012
Rafael Nadal had no problems adjusting to the grass © Getty Images
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Rafael Nadal kickstarted his Wimbledon preparations with victory at the Gerry Weber Open in Germany.

Just 72 hours after securing a seventh French Open title at Roland Garros, the world No. 2 had no problem adapting to the grass as he claimed a 7-5 6-1 victory over Lukas Lacko.

Returning to the event for the first time since 2005, when he lost his opening match against Alexander Waske, Nadal claimed his first singles win at Halle to progress to the third round.

After an early exchange of serves, Nadal broke in the final game to claim the opening set after 50 minutes before streaking away to victory. Next up is Philipp Kohlschreiber, who came from behind to defeat Lukasz Kubot 6-7(5) 6-1 6-3.

Second seed Roger Federer was given a far stiffer test before joining his long-time rival in the last eight. The 16-time grand slam champion came across stubborn resistance in the form of Florian Mayer, but he eventually ground out a 6-4 7-5 win that included 11 aces on his beloved grass.

Home favourite Tommy Haas justified his wildcard as he ousted sixth seed Marcel Granollers 6-3 6-4 to set up a quarter-final clash with Tomas Berdych.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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