Grass growing on upbeat Nadal

RAFAEL NADAL believes his grasscourt game is better than ever after getting his quest for a first Wimbledon title under way with a big serving victory over qualifier Andreas Beck.

The Spanish second seed hammered down 17 aces to overcome the world number 122 6-4 6-4 7-6 (7/0) on Centre Court and set up a tough second-round clash with improving Latvian Ernests Gulbis.

Nadal, runner-up for the last two years, has been tipped by many to deny Roger Federer a sixth straight title this year and is convinced he is closer to his goal this time around.