Second seed Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic 6-2 7-5 to win the Pacific Life Open on Sunday, his first title since last year's French Open.

The Spaniard held off a strong challenge from the Serb in the second set and finally subdued him with a series of punishing attacks from the baseline.

"Before coming here I was never thinking about this victory so this in an unbelievable tournament for me," Nadal told reporters. "I was very satisfied with my game.

"It was very important week for me. I had eight months without any title, but I come back with a big one."

Nadal came out firing and Djokovic was clearly nervous in his first Masters Series final, quickly losing the first four games.

The 12th seed finally held to 4-1 but Nadal easily closed out the set, clinching it with a fierce top-spin service winner.

But the 19-year-old Djokovic, who had not lost a set on his way to the final, dug in, causing Nadal problems with his big forehands, accurate serves and occasional rushes to the net.

He nearly turned the match around in the fourth game, holding three break points, but Nadal came up with two service winners and Djokovic fluffed a drop shot on the third.

"I had big opportunities," Djokovic said. "My backhand was not working today. I didn't work properly with the legs and just didn't move well, and he used it. He's a really experienced player. Even though he's only 20 years old, he's played many, many finals."

The Serb held on until the 11th game when Nadal rifled a backhand crosscourt passing shot to grab the break and a 6-5 lead.

The Spaniard had few problems closing out the match, sealing victory when Djokovic missed a forehand before lying on his back to celebrate.

"I played a very difficult final against one of the best players in the world," Nadal said. "I was expecting a very tough match. The second set was great, too. I play a little bit more defensive, but Djokovic play more aggressive. I know in the second set it was a little hard to play my aggressive tennis, but I'm very happy."

Nadal, 20, did not drop a set during the tournament and became the first Spaniard since Alex Corretja in 2000 to win the Pacific Life Open.

It was Nadal's seventh Masters crown and his third on hard courts.

"One of my best things is my movement," the twice French Open champion said. "I am fast. But the most important thing is to understand the court and move like the court. On clay, you only move a little a little bit behind the line, analysing more. But [on hardcourts] you need to be on the line."

(China Daily via Reuters?March 19, 2007)