Nadal enjoyed the eighth victory of his latest winning streak on clay

Nadal beat Waske 6-1 6-1 in his first match since losing to Roger Federer in the final of Wimbledon nine days ago.

The world number two broke five times as he stormed past Waske, who is ranked number 135.

"It was important for me to start off good in this tournament and to find my rhythm on clay quickly," said Nadal.

"The court is very fast and this is an advantage for my topspin forehand."

606: DEBATE Should Nadal be back on clay?

Nadal will play another German, Philipp Kohlschreiber, in the second round.

"I've played him twice this year," Nadal told the ATP website. "I lost one set against him at the Australian Open. In the quarter-finals of Monte-Carlo it was a bit easier, where I defeated him in straight sets.

"He is a good player, who has improved a lot and had a great season so far, which he proved by winning in Munich."

Second seed Tommy Robredo lost to Gael Monfils on Monday evening, and fifth seed Guillermo Canas followed him out of the tournament on Tuesday when he retired with leg cramps with Stanislas Wawrinka leading 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 1-0.

Tomas Berdych and defending champion David Ferrer are left as the main rivals to Nadal.