Success on grass grows on Spain

WIMBLEDON, England -- The Spanish tennis armada has often run aground on shoals of grass.

No mas.

In two days, Spain has advanced a record nine men to the second round in London, eclipsing the eight sent in 2004. Overall, Spain went 9-2 in the first round.

By contrast, the USA, a supposed power on grass, advanced four men to Round 2 and went 4-8.

Second-ranked Rafael Nadal has set the standard by reaching the last two Wimbledon finals. Nadal kicked off his title chase Tuesday with a 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7-0) win vs. Andreas Beck of Germany.

Even before he arrived at the All-England Club, the four-time French Open winner became the first Spaniard since Andres Gimeno in 1972 to win a grass title when he won the tune-up at Queen's.

Last week, compatriot David Ferrer claimed his first ...