Novak Djokovic extended his perfect record at the China Open to 21-0 by defeating Vasek Pospisil 6-3, 7-5 on Wednesday afternoon. Djokovic, who is looking to win a fifth title in Beijing, needed one hour and 25 minutes to reach the quarterfinals. He is joined there by John Isner, a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(4) winner over Tommy Robredo.
Beijing summary
Robredo had missed five championship-point opportunities against Andy Murray in last week’s Shenzhen final and he suffered another heartbreaker in the Beijing second round. The Spaniard had a match point with Isner serving at 4-5, 30-40 in the third set, but Isner thwarted it with an ace. Robredo actually won more points than his opponent (107-103) despite the loss.
There was no such drama in Djokovic’s match against Pospisil, although the top seed at least had to fight back from a break down in the second set. He managed to do just that, thus improving his chances of finishing 2014 with the No. 1 ranking.
“It’s definitely always the highest priority out there along with winning Grand Slam titles,” Djokovic said of being No. 1 in the world. “That gives me plenty of motivation. It would mean a lot to me. That’s why I’m out here in Beijing and Shanghai, competing and trying to get that year-end No. 1.”
Tokyo summary
Only two men’s singles matches were completed in Beijing because of rain, but much better conditions at the Japan Open allowed for a full slate of action on Wednesday. U.S. Open runner-up and Kuala Lumpur champion Kei Nishikori was able to delight his home crowd by winning a first-round match against Ivan Dodig 6-3, 6-4. Nishikori prevailed in one hour and 24 minutes to set up a date with Donald Young.
Everyone else in action on Wednesday was contesting a second-round match. Winners included Benjamin Becker, Jack Sock, Gilles Simon, and Steve Johnson. All four of the current quarterfinalists are unseeded. Becker, who ousted Japanese wild card Tatsuma Ito, was the only man other than Nishikori who avoided a third set on Wednesday. Sock held off Andrey Golubev while Simon and Johnson fought back from set deficits against Gilles Muller and Marcel Granollers, respectively.
Briefs
* Isner up to No.14 in the world, but can go no higher even with Beijing title.
* Berdych’s bid to pass Nishikori in rankings put on hold by rain.
* Becker making double-digit climb, can assure top 50 spot with one more win.
* Sock likely into top 60, will be top 50 if he reaches Tokyo semifinals.
* Simon overcomes Muller, needs one more victory for top 30.
* Johnson nearing top 40, must beat Simon to accomplish it.
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand.
Topics: Andy Murray, Beijing, China Open, Donald Young, Japan Open, John Isner, Kei Nishikori, Novak Djokovic, Ricky Dimon, Tennis, Tennis News, Tokyo, Tommy Robredo, Vasek Pospisil
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