It was the Briton’s second title in two weeks after winning in Bangkok and ended Nadal’s bid to become the first man since Pete Sampras in 1993-94 to retain the Tokyo crown.
“I played some great tennis, especially in the third set,” Murray told reporters after inflicting the dreaded ‘bagel’ on Nadal in the decider to win his 20th career title.
“That was arguably the best tennis I’ve played against Rafa,” added the Scot, who had lost 13 of his previous 17 matches against the world number two.
“I’ve given myself the target of ending the year at number three (in the world) so hopefully I can carry on that form.”
Top seed Nadal took the first set on a superb lunging volley but Murray hit back brilliantly, breaking for 3-1 in the second with a rifled forehand into the corner.Murray set up triple match point with a rocket forehand down the line before forcing Nadal into a loose backhand to end a pulsating final after two hours, 16 minutes.
“Andy played unbelievable. He deserves the title,” said Nadal, who was playing in his first tournament since helping Spain reach the Davis Cup final last month.
“I’ve lost a few sets 6-0 of course. You prefer it doesn’t happen, but he played fantastic and in the third set he started to play at a really high level. That’s it.
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