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BEIJING – Novak Djokovic described his crushing 6-0, 6-2 win over Tomas Berdych at the China Open tennis tournament yesterday as his greatest ever final, as his remarkable 100 percent record in Beijing continues. Serb Djokovic was 5-0 ahead in the second set, one game from serving up an incredible “double bagel” as he tore through his Czech opponent with a brilliant serving display.
As he was staring at an embarrassing defeat, a stunned Berdych laughed as he pretended to hand his racket to a ball-girl, suggesting that she may be able to take on his opponent.
But the world No. 6 rallied briefly to take Djokovic’s serve and then take the scores to a more respectable 5-2, before the reigning champion sealed his fifth title in Beijing, an event he has won the five times he has entered.
“This has been, under the circumstances, probably the best performance in all finals in my career I played. It was incredible. Incredible,” the world No 1 said after his stunning victory over the third seed.
“It was six love, five love, under an hour. Everything I tried worked. To be proud of the performance is the least I can say of what I played tonight.”
Berdych, who was still stunned, shaking his head for much of the post-match press conference, admitted he was no match for his opponent.
“I met somebody in the final who I’ve never seen before. Really the way that he performed today was really outstanding,” he said.
“There is really not much I can add to that because, really, I was just swept out from the court. Yeah, that was it.
“I probably played maybe over, what, 600 matches in my career, and I met guys like Andre (Agassi), Roger (Federer), all those probably in their best times. But I have never, ever experienced anything like that.”
Meanwhile, Kei Nishikori won the Japan Open title in Tokyo yesterday for the second time in three years, collapsing in joy on the court as he defeated Milos Raonic 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4.
The surprise US Open finalist, who also claimed the Kuala Lumpur trophy a week ago, was in tears as he hugged his tennis star-turned-coach Michael Chang.
The victory in just over two hours sends Nishikori to fifth in the points race for November’s ATP season final in London while Canadian Raonic holds onto the eighth and final spot.
“I hope to get to London. I am getting close, but there are two more Masters 1,000s and 500s left,” said Nishikori. “These next few weeks will be really important for me.
“Michael has raised my level. We have practised more on the court and also physical work. Beating a few Top 10 guys over the past year has helped my confidence.” — AFP
Online Reporter