TOKYO, Oct 8: World number one Roger Federer overpowered Britain's Tim Henman 6-3 6-3 with ruthless efficiency to win the Japan Open on Sunday, his ninth title of the year.
The stylish Swiss needed just 67 minutes to see off close friend Henman, forcing the 10th seed into a wild forehand on his third match point after a devastating performance in Tokyo.
Henman gifted Federer his first break with three straight double faults in the sixth game and the top seed closed out the first set by slamming his fifth ace past the Briton.
Playing for the first time in Japan, Federer broke again to edge ahead 2-1 in the second set and never let Henman back in the match as the 25-year-old stormed to his 42nd career title.
The nine-time Grand Slam singles champion said Henman's meltdown in the sixth game had all but decided the final.
Federer improved his record in finals to 42 wins in 55 appearances, giving him the best win-loss ratio in Open era history.—Reuters