An Old-Fashioned Mugging in Tokyo

David Ferrer snuck up on Richard Gasquet, pulled out his weapon, and stole all the Frenchman's money. In broad daylight. 52 minutes is all it took for David to score a 6-1, 6-2 victory and the Japan Open final was complete.

It was a comprehensive shellacking. I don't know that I've ever seen David play so well. And this after his amazing performance against Rafael Nadal in the US Open round of 16. Perhaps the Spaniard had booked a full-lengh four-hour tea ceremony that he forewent in favor of a shortened version before the tournament began.

Whatever the case, David played like he was in a hurry to get somewhere. Shanghai, perhaps.

While David couldn't miss, Richard just hit the ball around the court with more lethargy than purpose. And he was a bit lethargic. Understandable given his run to the Mumbai title last week and having to play the second semifinal last evening.

But that context aside, David played like a man who wouldn't be denied this title, no matter how much rest his final opponent enjoyed. It almost felt like a WTA match.

Well. Not quite. After all, the winner never even faced a break point. David is the first Spaniard to win the Japan Open in thirty years.

"This is very special, it is my second hard-court title after Auckland and Tokyo is such a big event. Richard was a little bit tired today and did not play as well as he could."

"It's great to be the first Spaniard to win here after Manuel Orantes, it's been such a long time. Nice to see my name on the trophy next to some tennis stars."

"(Trying to qualify for Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai) gives me an extra motivation for the last few events to play this year. I know I am close but I have not qualified yet so I must concentrate on every match and keep winning."

For his part, Richie moves into 9th place in the race and strong bids in Madrid and Bercy could get him to China as well.