Rafael Nadal gets confidence boost after claiming Hamburg Rothenbaum crown

Rafael Nadal claimed his 67th title, his third this season, at the Hamburg Rothenbaum event after beating Italy’s Fabio Fognini in straight sets, 7-5, 7-5, at Sunday’s final. The victory is expected to boost Nadal’s confidence as he heads to his next tournament at the Rogers Cup in Montreal.

Nadal, who lost his last two matches against Fognini in Rio de Janeiro and Barcelona, said that the Hamburg title was a “very important victory” considering that the Mallorca native had been reeling off from poor showings in his tournaments during the first half of the season. His Hamburg win is the biggest win of his season so far. He previously snagged two titles in Association of Tennis Professionals, or ATP, World Tour 250 events.

“I think I had a great attitude the whole match, very positive, fighting for every ball,” Nadal said, as quoted by ATPWorldTour.com. “I had some tough moments on court, lost opportunities, but every time I came back and I kept fighting with the right mentality.”

Nadal will now shift his focus on the hardcourt season and begin his preparations for the last slam of the season in North America as he is slated to take part in the Rogers Cup, which kicks off in Montreal on August 10. The Spaniard superstar has also said that he will aim to keep his poise as he continues his quest to win more titles, earn more points, move up the world rankings and to also qualify in the season-ending men’s tournament at the Barclay ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Nadal is a three-time champion in Montreal. He defeated American tennis legend Andre Agassi 6-3 4-6 6-2 to claim his maiden Rogers Cup title in 2005. He clinched his second Rogers Cup title in 2008 after beating Germany’s Nicolas Kiefer in straight sets, 6-3 6-2. In 2013, Nadal beat local favourite Milos Raonic in the final 6-2 6-2 to win his third Rogers Cup trophy.

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