Rafael Nadal beat David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3 in the Brazil Open final in Sao Paulo on Sunday, winning his first title since returning from a seven-month layoff to treat his left knee.

Nadal thrust his arms into the air and pumped his fist after a long ball by Nalbandian made him the champion of the indoor clay-court tournament for the second time. He also won the event in 2005.

“I’ll definitely enjoy this one because of all the problems that I’ve gone through with the knee,” he said. “Hopefully, this will mark a new beginning.”

It was Nadal’s 51st singles title, and first since winning the French Open in June.

Nadal broke Nalbandian’s serve twice to take the first set. He then rallied from 3-0 down in the second to win six straight games and close out the match in 78 minutes.

No. 1 beats No. 1: Defending champion Victoria Azarenka stunned Serena Williams 7-6 (6), 2-6, 6-3 to win the Qatar Open in Doha, ending a 10-match losing streak against the American.

Azarenka will give up the No. 1 ranking to Williams on Monday but extended her winning streak to 14 matches, including the Australian Open. More important, she might have turned around what has been a one-sided rivalry against Williams.

Del Potro in straight sets: Juan Martin del Potro beat Julien Benneteau 7-6 (2), 6-3 to win the ABN AMRO tournament in Rotterdam, Netherlands.