Rafael Nadal battles through to second round of German Open

Rafael Nadal has battled into the second round of the German Open with a three-set victory over fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

Both players exchanged breaks at the start of the opening set, but it was Verdasco who broke again on his way to closing it out 6-3.

Nadal was forced to save three break points in the first game of the second as Verdasco threatened to seize firm control of the match. However, the top seed was able to hold his nerve before emphatically taking the set 6-1.

The 14-time Grand Slam champion continued to have the momentum at the start of the decider, moving into a 4-1 lead. From there he was able to seal a 3-6 6-1 6-1 triumph and secure a spot in the second round against either Jiri Vesely or Andreas Haider-Maurer.