Djokovic storms to defend title at China Open
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Reigning champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia stormed to beat Spanish eighth seed David Ferrer in the rain-interrupted China Open final, successfully defending his men's singles title here on Monday.
The top-seeded Djokovic was leading 3-1 in the first set when the final was intermitted because of a fitful rain on Sunday night. The Serb continued his solid form as the match resumed on Monday, breaking Ferrer again in the sixth game to close the opening set 6-2.
The 28-year-Ferrer, world No. 11, tried to fight back in the second set, grabbing his first break of the match in the fifth game to 4-2, while the second ranked Djokovic grew visibly impatient.
However, the eighth game turned out to be the turning point of the set. After five duces, Djokovic, 23, converted his second break points of the game to tie with Ferrer 4-4. The Spaniard was too frustrated to control his temper, hitting his racket on the ground to ease his anger.
Djokovic then capitalized on the listlessness of his opponent, quickly winning a love game before earning three match points in the tenth game when Ferrer was serving. Although Ferrer managed to save one thanks to his powerful serve, he could not stop the Serb from clinching the one hour, 24 minutes victory and leading their head-to-head record 5-4.
Djokovic became the first man to successfully defend the China Open singles title since the tournament was launched in 2004.
