Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot to Andy Murray of Britain in the final of the Indian Wells ATP tennis tournament. (Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)
The Spanish left-hander produced some superb form on a windy day in the California desert, dictating most of the rallies from the baseline before wrapping up victory in 80 minutes.
World number one Nadal, the champion here in 2007, broke Murray in the fourth and sixth games to sweep through the opening set in 41 minutes at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
The Australian Open champion again broke the Scot in the fifth game of the second, working his opponent from side to side in a well-constructed rally before whipping a forehand crosscourt winner into open space.
Murray was broken for a fourth time in the seventh game when he netted a forehand and Nadal comfortably held serve in the eighth to clinch his 13th Masters Series title.
"A win here is amazing, another victory at the start of the season," Nadal said in a courtside interview. "It was a dream for me to win the Australian Open and now here. I love playing here."
Nadal, who has won three of the last four grand slam singles titles, extended his win-loss record against Murray to 6-2.
Murray, who beat an error-prone Roger Federer 6-3 4-6 6-1 in the last four to reach his third ATP final of the year, paid tribute to the Spaniard's performance on a wind-swept stadium court.
"I'd like to congratulate Rafa," the 21-year-old said. "He definitely deserved to win. He played great in difficult conditions.
"But I've had a great start to the year and hopefully I can keep it going," added the Briton, who has won ATP titles this season in Rotterdam and Doha.
