Djokovic beats Tsonga to win China Open
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic AP PHOTO
BEIJING — Top-seeded Novak Djokovic extended his perfect record at the China Open when he defeated third-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France 7-6 (4), 6-2 in the final on Sunday.
Djokovic has won the tournament on all three occasions he has entered, beating Marin Cilic in the 2009 final and David Ferrer in 2010. He has a 14-0 record at the tournament.
The Serb has won 65 matches this season, the most wins by any player on the ATP tour. Djokovic has also won four titles this year, including defending his Australian Open title.
Top-seeded Victoria Azarenka plays second-seeded Maria Sharapova in the women’s final later Sunday.
During the award ceremony Djokovic celebrated with the ball boys and girls by dancing to “Gangnam Style,” the popular single by Korean rapper Psy. “The song is quite catchy so I might do it again,” Djokovic said.
It’s the fifth tournament of Djokovic’s career which he’s won three times, along with the Australian Open, Dubai, Miami, and Canadian Open.
Tsonga went 3-2 ahead in the opening set but Djokovic immediately broke back.
Djokovic led the tiebreaker 5-4 when Tsonga lost his next two serves — double faulting and dropping a backhand volley into the net.
“The first set was really even and just a couple of points decided the winner,” Djokovic said. “When you’re getting to the second set with a set advantage, mentally it is much more encouraging for you.”
Tied at 1-1 in the second, Djokovic won the next four games before Tsonga held serve and Djokovic served out the match.
“It was really difficult to control him,” Tsonga said. “Against a player like this, for the moment my level is not high enough.”
