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Novak Djokovic continued his remarkable dominance in Beijing as the world number one comprehensively dispatched his long time rival Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-2 to win his sixth successive China Open trophy.
In the first set, Djokovic made a quick start and broke Nadal in the opening game of the match when the Spaniard produced an unforced error. The world number one consolidated his early advantage, but soon enough Nadal improved and he crafted break points on Djokovic’s serve at 3-2 to retrieve the break back. However, the Serbian stood firm to eventually maintain his lead, and his incredible defensive capabilities was enough to gain the double break when Nadal netted a volley. Djokovic continued to control the baseline rallies using his impeccable depth to pin his opponent back behind the baseline, and the world number one ripped a forehand winner to seal an overall commanding set of tennis.
As the second set got underway, both players held their serve relatively comfortably early on but at 1-1, the Serbian was rewarded when he outlasted Nadal in a series of gruelling rallies to force the crucial break. The world number one had firm control of the match and he maintained his immaculate length, keeping the Spaniard on the defensive and pressuring him within the baseline exchanges. Nadal was unable to cope and the world number eight conceded his serve again when yet another inch-perfect return from Djokovic extracted the error. The Spaniard showed glimpses of his best form but it was not enough as the world number one clinched the victory with an ace to extend his unbeaten run at the tournament.
In the other Asian tournament held in Tokyo, Stan Wawrinka defeated Benoit Paire 6-2 6-4 to win his fourth title of the season.
