TOKYO -- Top-seeded David Ferrer of Spain coasted to a 6-1,
6-2 win over third-seeded Richard Gasquet of France on Sunday to
win the Japan Open.
Ferrer was in control from the outset at Ariake Colosseum,
breaking Gasquet in the first game of a match that lasted just 52
minutes.
"Maybe Richard was a little tired because he played last
week," Ferrer said. "I'm very happy to win this tournament and
just want to enjoy the moment."
Ferrer became the tournament's top-seeded player after
top-ranked and defending champion Roger Federer pulled out of the
$832,000 event because he needs to rest after the U.S. Open and
Davis Cup.
Gasquet won the Mumbai Open the previous week but was no match
for Ferrer, who had seven aces.
"I was pretty tired," Gasquet said. "It's tough when you have
to play against a guy like David, who rarely misses his shots."
Fifth-seeded Virginie Razzano of France won the women's event
Saturday, beating American Venus Williams 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4.
Ferrer, ranked No. 8, improved to 2-0 against Gasquet, ranked
13th. The last time the two players met was in 2004 in Stuttgart,
Germany.
"He's a completely different player now," Gasquet said. "He's
playing very well now. He broke me in the first game and I was
never able to recover."
Ferrer became the first Spaniard to win the tournament since
Manuel Orantes in 1977.
"I'm honored," Ferrer said. "There are some pretty big names
on this trophy."
Past winners of the Japan Open included Pete Sampras, Stefan
Edberg, John McEnroe and Lleyton Hewitt.