After a disappointing European clay season, at least by his lofty standards, Rafa Nadal has returned to his winning ways on, of all surfaces, a grass court! Nadal took home the title in Stuttgart, beating Viktor Troicki 7-6 (3), 6-3 in the final. I did not see this coming but it is a very pleasant and welcome surprise.
Rafa was in trouble in the first few rounds of the tournament but he still managed to make it through. In the latter round, he seemed to find his footing on the slick surface as he upended both Gael Monfils (in the semifinals) and Viktor Troicki in straight sets. This is Rafa's first grasscourt title since winning Wimbledon in 2010 (five years ago! I can't believe it's been that long). He only reached the 4th round of Wimbledon last year. Hopefully, Rafa can do better at Wimbledon this year, move back up the rankings, and finish the year strong.
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