Rafael Nadal has shown he is back in business by clinching his first title since ending a seven-month knee injury layoff.
The former world No1 beat Argentina's David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3 in 78 minutes to win the Brazil Open.
Currently the world No5, Nadal went on the attack from the start, breaking his opponent's service before racing to take the first set.
The 31-year-old Nalbandian fought back early in the second set but Nadal came from behind to win.
It was the 26-year-old's second comeback event following his long absence, having competed in the Vina del Mar Open in Chile, where he lost the singles and doubles finals.
"It's a great title and important for me," said Nadal. "Yesterday [during the semi-final] the knee hurt. Today it's better, rather bearable."
Asked whether he feels confident enough now to compete against the world's top three of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray, Nadal said: "We are going to see how the knee responds and then take stock ... I don't have any problem playing against better rivals because I accept that I can lose. Losing is not a problem for me."
Elsewhere, Victoria Azarenka avenged the loss of her world No1 ranking to Serena Williams by beating the American for only the second time in 13 attempts to successfully defend her Qatar Open title.
"I just wanted to fight and give it my best, and give myself every opportunity," said Azarenka, when asked how she recovered from the loss of the second set to complete a 7-6 (8/6), 2-6, 6-3 win. "Serena was on a roll. I knew she would bring her `A' game, and I was really glad I could stay tough and focused."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE