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op-ranked Rafael Nadal overpowered fifth-seeded Gael Monfils 6-1, 7-5 to win his first Japan Open title Sunday and rebound from 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' serve with a long return shot just out of reach that put him ahead 6-5. He then held his serve to take the next game and the match at 7-5.
Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=5670076
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' serve with a long return shot just out of reach that put him ahead 6-5. He then held his serve to take the next game and the match at 7-5.
Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=5670076
