Roger Federer took advantage of some costly mistakes
by Britain's Tim Henman on Sunday to win his first Japan Open.
Top-ranked Federer coasted to a 6-3, 6-3 win over 10th-seeded
Henman, who struggled with his serve in windy conditions at Tokyo's
Ariake Colosseum.
Henman conceded three straight double faults to allow Federer to
take a 4-2 lead in the first set, which the Swiss star closed out
with an ace.
``When he served three double faults, that just gave me the first
set,'' said Federer. ``It was hard for him after the three double
faults because if you want to win you just can't do that.''
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 before wrapping the
match up in one hour seven minutes.
``It wasn't easy today,'' said Henman, who had six double faults
in the match. ``The wind was a factor and I had trouble with my
serve, but his ability to hit passing shots so well and consistently
is what makes it so difficult. He was just too good.''
As in Saturday's semifinal win over Benjamin Becker, Federer made
several brilliant shots that excited the crowd and put Henman on the
defensive.
``I was able to come up with some great passing shots at the
right time,'' said Federer, who will next compete in the ATP Masters
Series in Madrid.
Federer ground out a 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3) quarter-finals 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.''
Federer was playing in his first tournament in Japan and said he
hopes to return next year.
``It's been a great year so far,'' said Federer, who won three
Grand Slam titles. ``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.''
The 32-year-old Henman had not reached a top tier ATP final since
Indian Wells in 2004 and his ranking has dropped from a career-high
No. 4 in 2002 to No. 55.
Henman said reaching the final in Tokyo will give his game a
boost.
``I'm not the first player to lose to Roger in the final and I
won't be the last,'' he said. ``It's a great week for me to be back
in the final of a big tournament. To reach the final helps with both
my confidence and ranking.''
In the women's final, top-seeded 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.
