Top seeds Djokovic, Azarenka win China Open

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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 yesterday in Beijing.

On the women's side, top-seeded Victoria Azarenka won her fifth title of the year by dominating second-seeded Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-1 last night.

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.

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 broke right 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 four straight games before Tsonga held 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."

Azarenka too powerful

As for the women, it was the third time this year that Azarenka beat Sharapova in a final. The other wins came at the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

Sharapova struggled with Azarenka's power throughout the one hour, 28-minute match. She also struggled with her serve at the start with six double faults in the opening set.

"I'm really happy to finally have a really good result here - I've been coming here for the last four years and I'm happy I could finally show my game and hold the trophy," Azarenka said.

Azarenka raced out to a 4-0 lead in both sets as Sharapova only managed to hold her serve twice in the match.

"Victoria played an amazing match today," said Sharapova, who hit 39 unforced errors. "There's a reason she's number one in the world right now."

Earlier, Mike Bryan overtook Australian Todd Woodbridge's mark of 83 career doubles titles when he, along with brother Bob, beat Carlos Berlocq and Denis Istomin 6-3, 6-2 for their third China Open title in four years.

 

 

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