Novak Djokovic secured his fourth China Open title on Sunday with a straight sets victory 6-3, 6-4 over rival Rafael Nadal of Spain, just a day after the Nadal reclaimed the number one ranking. This is Djokovic’s 38th career ATP tour title and fourth title of the season.
“I needed this win today,” said Djokovic. “I really wanted to get my hands on the trophy and win against Nadal, who has been the best player so far in 2013. It’s very important for my confidence. It’s very important mentally and emotionally for me.”
The win means that Djokovic is still undefeated in Beijing at 19-0. He first won the title in 2009 (defeated Marin Cilic), and successfully defended the title a year after (defeated David Ferrer). His third win was a year ago (defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga). He became the only four-time winner of this ATP 500 hardcourt event and secured $557,100 in prize money and defended the 500 ranking points.
“It’s been an incredible week again for me at the China Open,” said Djokovic. “I still haven’t lost a match here. I just love the conditions. I love the court and the atmosphere that goes around the tournament. Centre court is exceptional, and I enjoy it. I try to cherish every moment that I spend here every year.”
Djokovic ended a three-match losing streak against Nadal and the latter admitted that the Serb played an exceptional game.
“I didn’t see the way to stop him this afternoon,” said Nadal. “This afternoon he was too strong for me. I didn’t play my best match this afternoon, but he played at a very high level with his serve.
“I was not able to have any chance when I was returning during the whole match. He had the ball staying very low. It was very difficult to create spin on this ball. He was able to hit all the balls where he wanted. When that’s happening against a player like Novak, you are dead. You don’t have not one chance.”
The loss ended Nadal’s 22-match winning streak which started with victories in Montreal, Cincinnati and US Open. Nadal was undefeated in hardcourt matches this season before the loss on Sunday.
