Nadal wins Mexican Open

ACAPULCO, Mexico (AFP) –

Rafael Nadal of Spain wears a traditional Mexican mariachi hat while holding the winner’s trophy after defeating compatriot David Ferrer in the men’s singles final at the Mexico ATP Open in Acapulco, on March 2, 2013. Nadal won 6-0, 6-2

Former world number one Rafael Nadal cruised to his 38th claycourt title at the Mexican Open, claiming his second title in three events since returning from a seven-month injury layoff.

Nadal, who has never lost to a fellow Spaniard in a final, kept his perfect record intact by routing reigning three-time champion David Ferrer 6-0, 6-2.

Second seed Nadal, who also won this event in 2005, was appearing in his third final of the year. He won in Sao Paulo on February 17 and was runner-up in Vina del Mar, Chile, the previous week.

Nadal needed just 65 minutes to clinch the title, serving brilliantly throughout as he won 81 percent of his first-serve points. He saved both break points he faced.

World number four Ferrer had his serve broken five times.

Since returning from a seven-month absence with a left knee injury in February, Nadal has won 12 of his 13 matches, finishing as runner-up in Vina del Mar, Chile, before triumphing in Sao Paulo last month.

“I have had some difficult months, especially during my time away from tennis. But I take with me fond memories of returning to Acapulco,” said Nadal, currently ranked fifth in the world.

“I feel good being back on court,” the Spaniard added. “I have to thank my family and everyone involved in my rehabilitation. It has been a difficult time over the last few months.”

The 11-time Grand Slam winner needed just 65 minutes to clinch his 52nd ATP Tour title, serving brilliantly throughout and winning 81 percent of his first-serve points. He saved both break points he faced.

“I am sorry about this result but I know Ferrer will be back and I consider him one of the great players of today,” Nadal said of the world number four and top seed, who won the title in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Nadal, 26, never allowed Ferrer to get into the contest, winning the first eight games and breaking his countryman five times.

“I want to congratulate Rafa. He is not an easy player to beat,” said Ferrer, 30. “If I have to lose I am happy to lose to Rafa.”

In the women’s final, Italian top seed Sara Errani breezed past second seed Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain 6-0, 6-4.