Nadal keeps his cool to claim Hamburg title

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RafaelNadal - Cropped

Rafael Nadal held off Fabio Fognini in a feisty German Tennis Championships final on Monday morning (AEST) as the Italian was denied three consecutive victories against the former world number one.

Fognini beat Nadal in Rio de Janeiro and Barcelona so far this year, but ultimately came up short against the top seed, who claimed a 47th clay-court title with a 7-5 7-5 success.

Both players were less than perfect on serve as Nadal was made to work hard for his success having surrendered a 3-1 lead to trail in the second set.

However, following an angry exchange between the pair late in the second, Nadal seemed to keep his head as a series of unforced Fognini errors at the death handed the Spaniard his third title of 2015.

Nadal - seeking to rebuild after a surprise second-round exit at Wimbledon - had opportunities to wrap up a close-fought first set earlier than he actually did.

Fognini produced an impressive backhand half-volley to save one set point before pouncing on a loose backhand to send a powerful forehand cross court with the next point.

A trademark Nadal backhand eventually sealed the set at the fourth attempt and the second proved just as tight.

Following a lengthy second game, Nadal broke in the fourth, but Fognini rallied to reel off the next three games until Nadal fought back from 40-15 to level at 4-4.

The pair were then involved in an angry verbal spat at the change of ends after Nadal was broken again in the ninth. Nadal went on to save two set points in the next game.

The Spaniard fought back from 40-15 down to reclaim the lead and, when Fognini's forehand deserted him in the final game, Nadal duly sunk to his knees in celebration, after shaking hands with the Italian.

"I lost the last two times against him so I knew it would be a tough one," said Nadal. 

"He has a high level when he is playing well. I think I had a great attitude during the whole match, fighting for every ball. I had some tough moments on court, lost opportunities but every time I came back and kept fighting with the right mentality.

"I am very happy with the victory, it is an important victory for me. I enjoyed the match."

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