LATEST TENNIS NEWS – NOVAK DJOKOVIC TOPS RAFAEL NADAL FOR BEIJING TITLE

Written by: Staff on 11th October 2015

LATEST TENNIS NEWS - NOVAK DJOKOVIC TOPS RAFAEL NADAL FOR BEIJING TITLE

epa04973528 Winner Novak Djokovic (R) of Serbia and runner up Rafael Nadal of Spain pose with their trophies during the awarding ceremony of the men's singles final match in the China Open tennis tournament at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, China, 11 October 2015. EPA/HOW HWEE YOUNG |

No player has enjoyed a more dominant start at an ATP World Tour event than Novak Djokovic at the China Open, and the World No. 1 extended his ruthless run with a sixth title on Sunday. Djokovic’s winning streak in Beijing reached 29 straight wins as he turned aside rival Rafael Nadal for the second time in three years in the final. He triumphed 6-2, 6-2 in 91 minutes.

“This has definitely been my most successful tournament,” said Djokovic during the trophy ceremony. “Beijing has been a lucky place for me. In 2008, I remember the Olympic Games when Rafa won gold and the tradition of Asian tennis started here.

“I played a great tournament overall and continued playing well today. Rafa and I have played 45 times and I hope that continues.”

The Serb has won seven of eight FedEx ATP Head2Head encounters against the Spaniard, including the 2013 Beijing final. He also edged closer to Nadal in their overall series, now trailing 22-23. Djokovic brings home 500 Emirates ATP Rankings points and $654,725, in capturing his 56th tour-level trophy. He is 68-5 in 2015, including a stunning 23-4 mark against Top 10 opponents.

Nadal got off to a slow start under the lights at the National Tennis Center in the Chinese capital and Djokovic would pounce immediately. The top seed converted on his first break point in the opening game and consolidated for a quick 2-0 advantage. A more aggressive Nadal would settle in as the first set progressed, with the pair trading baseline blows. The Spaniard had his chance to break back in the sixth game, but let two break points slip away. Djokovic’s trademark defensive tenacity was on full display as he pressed for a second break. In one sensational point, Nadal tracked down a drop shot and scampered back to the baseline to as the Serb sent a lob over his head. The Spaniard replied with a tweener which Djokovic turned aside into the open court. He would claim the break three points later for 5-2 and closed out the set in 41 minutes.

Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the men’s singles final match for the China Open tennis tournament at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, China, 11 October 2015. EPA/WU HONG

Hampered by an apparent leg ailment, Nadal would call for the trainer midway through the third game of the second set. Smelling blood and sensing the finish line was not far off, Djokovic broke immediately for 2-1. He would race to a double break lead two games later and did not look back, surging to the title. The World No. 1 struck 23 winners, including seven aces.

Nadal fell to 67-30 in tour-level finals, taking home $295,180 and 300 points in the Emirates ATP Race To London. The Spaniard has bumped Kei Nishikori for the sixth position among the eight players bidding to reach the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He owns 3,970 points in total.

Both Djokovic and Nadal will next head south for the eighth ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event of the year, in Shanghai. The Serb has already secured his place at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, while Nadal continues his quest for a berth in the season finale.

( Courtesy of the ATP and Original Link. – http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/news/beijing-2015-final-djokovic-nadal )

Topics: Atp World Tour, Beijing Tennis, China Open final, Nadal vs. Djokovic, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Sports, Tennis News

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10sBalls_com says:

October 11, 2015 at 8:27 am

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October 12, 2015 at 10:05 am

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October 13, 2015 at 12:13 pm

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