The irrepressible Roger Federer humbled Tim Henman 6-3, 6-3 with ruthless efficiency to win the Japan Open in Tokyo on Sunday -- his ninth title of the year.

The stylish Swiss star needed just 67 minutes to see off his close friend, forcing the 10th seed into a wild forehand on his third match point after a devastating performance.

"I beat Tim at Wimbledon and the US Open this year but I thought this might be the most dangerous one," a jubilant Federer said after his sixth straight victory over the former British No.1. "It's over three sets and the surface is fast. It was fantastic. I had to come up with some great passing shots at the right time." 

 Henman gifted Federer his first break with three straight double faults in the sixth game -- and the world’s best player went on to close out the first set with his fifth ace. Playing for the first time in Japan, Federer broke again for 2-1 in the second set and never let Henman back to the match. It was his 42nd career title and took the 25-year-old world No.1’s win-loss record for the year to 77-5.

Federer said Henman's meltdown in the sixth game had all but decided the outcome. "I guess if you look at it very harshly, that cost him the match," he told reporters. "If he wants to win, that's a thing he can't do. Those three double faults definitely gave me the first set. It gave me a cushion and put the pressure on Tim."

Henman, now 32, said: "I'm not the first guy to lose to Roger and I won't be the last. I tried to mix it up as much as possible but he was able to come up with phenomenal passing shots. He's the toughest player I've ever played against. I wouldn't be surprised if he's at the top for a good few years yet."