Rafael Nadal: 'Brazil victory marks fresh start'

Rafael Nadal has said that winning the Brazil Open title will help him make a fresh start in his career.

The Spaniard defeated David Nalbandian 6-2 6-3 in the final in Sao Paolo, securing his first tournament victory after a seventh-month injury layoff.

"I'll definitely enjoy this one because of all the problems that I've gone through with the knee," BBC Sport quotes Nadal as saying.

"When I won for the first time here I was just starting and hopefully this will mark a new beginning."

World number 93 Nalbandian, who surrendered a second-set lead, admitted after the game that he was defeated by a better player.

"I didn't play my best match today, Rafa was much better. I was ahead in the second set but I couldn't take advantage of it," he said.

The Brazil Open triumph is world number five Nadal's 51st on the ATP World Tour.