Nadal wins Brazil Open final, first tournament title since knee injury layoff
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SAO PAULO (AFP) - Rafael Nadal clinched his first tournament title since ending a seven-month knee injury layoff in winning the Brazil Open here on Sunday.
The Spanish former world No. 1, who has been complaining of nagging knee pain, beat Argentine David Nalbandian in straight sets 6-2, 6-3.
Nadal was the top seed in this US$455,775 (S$563,903) tournament, his second comeback event after a seven-month absence. He competed in the Vina del Mar Open in Chile earlier this month, losing the singles and doubles finals last Sunday.
Considered by many to be the best ever clay-court player, Nadal was back on the court in Chile for the first time since a surprise second-round exit at Wimbledon in June. Since then, he has been sidelined by a torn tendon and inflammation in his left knee, with his return this year further delayed by a stomach virus.
