Rafael Nadal celebrated a title win in his second tournament back following seven months out injured as he swept aside David Nalbandian in straight sets in the final of the Brazil Open today.
Nadal's 51st victory on the ATP Tour was rarely in doubt as he dismissed his Argentinian opponent 6-2 6-3 in just 78 minutes.
The win ended a title drought stretching back to last year's French Open, since when the Spaniard has been sidelined by tendon trouble in his left knee.
Nadal gnaws on the trophy
Nadal made his long-awaited comeback at last week's clay-court event in Vina Del Mar but surprisingly missed out on the title after losing in three sets to unheralded Argentinian Horacio Zeballos the final.
"I'll definitely enjoy this one because of all the problems that I've gone through with the knee," Nadal said.
"When the knee is feeling better like today I feel like that I can do more of the things that I used to do my entire life.
"If the pain is bearable like it was today, then it's fine."
Rafael Nadal beats David Nalbandian
Rafael Nadal(01 of47)
Spain's Rafael Nadal smiles as he holds up the Brazil Open ATP tennis tournament trophy after defeating Argentina's David Nalbandian in the final match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
Rafael Nadal(02 of47)
Spain's Rafael Nadal holds up the Brazil Open ATP tennis tournament trophy after defeating Argentina's David Nalbandian in the final match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
Rafael Nadal(03 of47)
Spain's Rafael Nadal bites the Brazil Open ATP tennis tournament trophy as he poses for pictures after defeating Argentina's David Nalbandian in the final match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
Rafael Nadal(04 of47)
Spain's Rafael Nadal wipes himself after defeating Argentina's David Nalbandian in the Brazil Open ATP tournament final tennis match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
Rafael Nadal(05 of47)
Spain's Rafael Nadal holds a symbolic check during the Brazil Open ATP tennis tournament award ceremony in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Argentina's David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3 in the final game. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
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Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates at the end of the Brazil Open ATP tournament final tennis match against Argentina's David Nalbandian in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
Rafael Nadal David Nalbandian(07 of47)
Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Argentina's David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open ATP tournament final tennis match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
Rafael Nadal, David Nalbandian(08 of47)
Spain's Rafael Nadal, left, and Argentina's David Nalbandian, pose for pictures at the end of the Brazil Open ATP tournament final tennis match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
Rafael Nadal(09 of47)
Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates at the end of the Brazil Open ATP tournament final tennis match against Argentina's David Nalbandian in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
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Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates at the end of the Brazil Open ATP tournament final tennis match against Argentina's David Nalbandian in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
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Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates at the end of the Brazil Open ATP tournament final tennis match against Argentina's David Nalbandian in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
David Nalbandian(12 of47)
Argentina's David Nalbandian returns the ball to Spain's Rafael Nadal during the Brazil Open ATP tournament final match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
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Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Argentina's David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open ATP tournament final match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
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Spain's Rafael Nadal serves to Argentina's David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open ATP tournament final match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
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Spain's Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Argentina's David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open ATP tournament final match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) (credit:AP)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal gestures during the Brazil Open single final match against Argentinian David Nalbandian, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory over Argentinian David Nalbandian in the Brazil Open single final match, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory over Argentinian David Nalbandian in the Brazil Open single final match, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy of the Brazil Open after defeating Argentinian David Nalbandian in the single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory over Argentinian David Nalbandian in the Brazil Open single final match, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal reacts after the victory against Argentinian David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open single final match, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates his victory over Argentinian David Nalbandian in the Brazil Open single final match, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy of the Brazil Open after defeating Argentinian David Nalbandian in the single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy of the Brazil Open after defeating Argentinian David Nalbandian in the single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Fans gather to get an autograph of Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal (C L violet t-shirt) after the Brazil Open single final match at Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy of the Brazil Open after defeating Argentinian David Nalbandian in the single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Former Brazilian football player Ronaldo (L) and Brazilian Mixed Martial Artist Anderson Silva attend the Brazil Open single final match between Spain's Rafael Nadal and Argentina's David Nalbandian, at Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Argentinian David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open single final match at Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Argentinian tennis player David Nalbandian and Spanish Rafael Nadal greet at the end of the Brazil Open single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal serves against Argentinian David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open single final match at Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Argentinian tennis player David Nalbandian (L) and Spanish Rafael Nadal greet at the end of the Brazil Open single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Argentinian tennis player David Nalbandian hits a return to Spanish Rafael Nadal during the Brazil Open single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Argentinian tennis player David Nalbandian hits a return to Spanish Rafael Nadal during the Brazil Open single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Argentinian David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open single final match at Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Argentinian tennis player David Nalbandian (R) speaks with Spanish Rafael Nadal during the award ceremony of the Brazil Open at Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Argentinian David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open single final match at Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Argentinian David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy of the Brazil Open after defeating Argentinian David Nalbandian in the single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy of the Brazil Open after defeating Argentinian David Nalbandian in the single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Argentinian David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy of the Brazil Open after defeating Argentinian David Nalbandian in the single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Argentinian tennis player David Nalbandian hits a return to Spanish Rafael Nadal during the Brazil Open single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Argentinian David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open single final match at Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Argentinian tennis player David Nalbandian hits a return to Spanish Rafael Nadal during the Brazil Open single final, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. Nadal defeated Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal speaks with the umpire during the Brazil Open single final match against Argentinian David Nalbandian, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal speaks with the umpire during the Brazil Open single final match against Argentinian David Nalbandian, at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal returns a ball to Argentinian David Nalbandian during the Brazil Open single final match at Ibirapuera gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/Yasuyoshi CHIBA (Photo credit should read YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)