Top-ranked Rafael Nadal overpowered No. 5 seed Gael Monfils 6-1, 7-5 to win his first Japan Open title Sunday and regain some face after a surprise semifinal loss in Bangkok last week.
Nadal roared out in the first set, breaking Monfils in the second and sixth games and keeping the Frenchman off the net with deep, well-placed returns that sealed it up in just 25 minutes at 6-1.
Monfils took back some of the momentum early in the second set, delivering strong serves and crosscourt returns — and pleasing the crowd with acrobatic saves. But the left-handed Spaniard fought back in the 11th game, breaking Monfils' service with a long return shot just out of reach that put him ahead 6-5. He then held his service to take the next game and the match at 7-5.