The 25-year-old Serb defeated the world number seven 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to maintain his unbeaten record at the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing.
“It’s an amazing feeling to win this trophy,” said Djokovic. “The first set was really even, and maybe a couple of points decided the winner there. I made that early break in the second and after that I felt much more comfortable on the court.”
A disappointed Tsonga admitted afterwards that he had let an opportunity slip early in the tie.
“It was a good match,” said Tsonga. “I missed maybe something in the first set. It was a break up and I was playing well.
“But then he played solid. It was really difficult to control him.”
Azarenka upsets Sharapova in Beijing final
In the women’s singles, world number one Victoria Azarenka thrashed second-seed Maria Sharapova of Russia in straight sets to win the $4.8 million China Open.
The Belarusian dispatched Sharapova, ranked number two in the world, 6-3, 6-1, to clinch her first China Open title in four attempts.
“I’m really happy to have a good result because I’ve been coming here the last four years,” said Azarenka.
Meanwhile, Sharapova was full of praise for her opponent.
“Victoria played an amazing match today,” she said. “There’s a reason she is number one in the world right now.”
First home win for Japan
as Nishikori trumps Raonic
Meanwhile, Kei Nishikori made history by becoming the first Japanese to win the Japan Open when he defeated young Canadian star Milos Raonic in the final.
The 22-year-old pulverised Raonic’s serve-and-volley game to score a 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-0 victory.
“I can’t believe it,” said a jubilant Nishikori. “I’ve never played well in this tournament before, so I had thought I would never win this tournament. I’m really happy to win.”
Nishikori received a winner’s cheque of $669,450 and Raonic took the runner-up prize of $328,260.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2012.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ