Although Rafael Nadal succeeded in reaching the top spot of the ATP world rankings, after reaching the final of the China Open, the Spaniard happened not to be able to claim the championship title from the man he is set to overtake in the top spot of world tennis.
Novak Djokovic saw off soon-to-be-top-seed Nadal 6-3, 6-4, in the final of the Beijing Open.
Djokovic broke in either set on his way to ending Nadal’s 21-match winning streak.
“I wanted to win against Nadal, who has been the best player so far in 2013. It’s important for my confidence,” Djokovic said.
It marks Djokovic’s fourth victory in the tournament. He got off to a bright start by breaking Nadal’s first service game and racing into a 3-0 lead in the opening set.
The inspired Serb dragged Nadal, who beat him at the French and US Open, out wide with his serve and struck a powerful forehand into open space to claim the first set in 35 minutes.
On commencement of the second set, Djokovic immediately broke Nadal again and made sure he dictated play in a commanding style.
He took the following game to love and before the 27-year-old Spaniard could figure out any comeback, it was set, point and match.
“It’s been an incredible week again at the China Open and I still haven’t lost a match here- I just love the conditions, the court and the atmosphere that goes around the tournament,” the 26-year-old Australian Open winner added.
“I managed to stay tough and not drop my concentration, which I think (happened) in both Montreal and at the US Open in the important moments.
“I’ve learnt my lesson from a few very tough and close matches that I lost against Rafa on hard courts, especially the last one in the US Open final.”
