Djokovic beats Verdasco to reach Beijing quarters

Novak Djokovic of Serbia rects after defeating Fernando Verdasco of Spain during the China Open tennis tournament at the National Tennis Stadium in Beijing, China Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013. AP/Andy Wong

BEIJING — Top-seeded Novak Djokovic overcame Fernando Verdasco 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the China Open.

Djokovic won the first three games en route to taking the first set, but Verdasco fought back in the second by breaking the top-ranked Serb in the third and seventh games.

However, Djokovic again jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the decider and closed out the victory with ease.

Djokovic will next take on American Sam Querrey, who upset sixth-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland 6-3, 7-6 (2).

Earlier, top-ranked Serena Williams saved three set points and beat Russian Maria Kirilenko 7-5, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals of the women’s tournament.