Federer overpowers Henman to win Japan Open

TOKYO: World number one Roger Federer overpowered Britain's Tim Henman 6-3 6-3 to win the Japan Open on Sunday.   

The Swiss needed just 67 minutes to wrap up his ninth title of the year, forcing 10th seed Henman into a wild forehand on his third match point after another devastating performance in Tokyo.   

"I was a bit surprised because I had some jet-lag and to always keep winning is a very difficult thing to do," Federer said in a court-side interview.   

"To come here right away and win the tournament is fantastic."   

Henman gifted Federer his first break with three straight double faults in the sixth game and the top seed closed out the first set with his fifth ace.   

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 top seed stormed to his 42nd career title.   

Henman played his part in a high-quality encounter in his first final since losing to Federer at Indian Wells in 2004 but never seriously threatened to cause an upset.   

Federer improved his record in finals to 42 wins in 55 appearances while the nine-time grand slam singles champion boosted his win-loss ratio for the year to 77-5.   

Former British number one Henman won the last of his 11 career titles at the Paris Masters in 2003.