Ruthless Ferrer seals Japan title

Top seed David Ferrer hammered Frenchman Richard Gasquet 6-1 6-2 to win the Japan Open title on Sunday.

Spaniard Ferrer, a late replacement after world number one Roger Federer pulled out, needed just 52 minutes to wrap up his fifth career title.

Ferrer, 25, raced through the first set in just 21 minutes, closing it out with a ferocious backhand pass.

Third seed Gasquet struggled again in the second as Ferrer broke early before sealing his third title of the year.

The victory ensured Ferrer became the first Spaniard since Manuel Orantes in 1977 to win the Tokyo title.

Playing his first tournament since reaching the semi-finals of the US Open, Ferrer also ruined Gasquet's bid for back-to-back titles after his success in Mumbai last week.

"There are so many great names on this trophy. Now it says 'Ferrer' on it. Maybe I'm the worst player on this trophy," he said

"It's very special, not because Federer won last year but because it's on a hardcourt. My surface is clay and this is only my second hardcourt title after Auckland.

"To win in Tokyo is special because it's a big tournament, even bigger than Auckland."

Wimbledon semi-finalist Gasquet blamed fatigue for his sluggish performance.

"I played 10 matches in two weeks and I think it was a bit too much for me," he said. "I was just too tired."

Source: BBC Sport