China Open: I cherish playing in Beijing, says champ Djokovic
Novak Djokovic of Serbia kisses his winning trophy after the final of the China Open tennis tournament at the National Tennis Stadium in Beijing, China Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013. Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal of Spain 6-3, 6-4. AP Photo
BEIJING — Novak Djokovic spoke of his love for the China Open Sunday after he claimed his fourth title to continue an incredible 100 percent record in Beijing.
The world number one overcame Rafael Nadal in straight sets after dominating the Spaniard at the serve.
Djokovic has been in sizzling form at the tournament, where he has an unbeaten run stretching back to 2009. He did not attend in 2011.
“It’s been an incredible week again for me,” he told reporters after his 6-3, 6-4 victory.
“Still haven’t lost a match here. I just love the conditions. I love the court and the atmosphere that goes around the tournament.”
“Center court is exceptional, and I enjoy it. I try to cherish every moment that I spend here, every year.”
The Serb has a 19-game unbeaten run in Beijing, winning 38 of 41 sets he has played.
But Nadal has had the beating of Djokovic this season, coming out on top at the French Open, last month’s US Open and the Canada Masters.
“I lost a last few matches against Nadal, very important matches,” Djokovic said.
But he said he had “learned his lesson” and his serve had made the difference in Beijing, along with a “kind of emotional stability in the crucial moments.”
“I managed to stay tough and not drop the concentration, which I think I did in both Montreal and US Open in the important moments,” he said.
Djokovic’s victory was achieved under a blanket of smog, with the US Embassy warning of “very unhealthy” levels of pollution when the match was being played.
The Serb said the players had discussed the weather conditions, adding: “Sometimes you cannot affect the weather. It’s just nature. It’s a higher force.”
