Top-ranked Roger Federer coasted to a 6-3, 6-3 win
over Britain's Tim Henman on Sunday to capture his first Japan Open
title.
Federer took control early, taking advantage of a double fault to
break 10th-seeded Henman and go up 4-2 before closing out the first
set with an ace.
``It's been a great year so far,'' said Federer. ``To come here
for the first time and win this tournament is a great feeling. I
hope to come back next year and defend the title.''
Federer, playing in his first tournament since winning last
month's U.S. Open, broke Henman again to take a 2-1 lead in the
second set and was never seriously challenged from then on.
Henman struggled with his serve and had six double faults.
Federer ground out a 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3) quarter-final victory over
Takao Suzuki on Friday, and credited his game against the Japanese
wild card as key to Sunday's title win.
``I got lucky against Suzuki,'' said Federer. ``I could have lost
that match easily but I came through and that gave me a boost.''
In the women's final, top-seed Marion Bartoli of France rallied
to defeat Japan's Aiko Nakamura 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.
After a shaky start, Bartoli quickly recovered and cruised to a
win over the Japanese wild card for her first Japan Open title.
``It's always nice to win when you are the top seed,'' said
Bartoli. ``I had to play hard and stay focused after dropping the
first set.''
Nakamura was playing in her first WTA final after defeating Chan
Yung-jan of Taiwan in the semifinals.
