BEIJING (AP) — Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 to win the China Open for the fourth time Sunday.
The victory was something of a consolation for Djokovic after Nadal was assured of replacing him atop the rankings by reaching the final in Beijing.
The Serb broke Nadal in the second game of the first set and again in the first game of the second. He racked up four aces to the Spaniard’s two on the way to winning his fourth title in five years at the China Open.
Nadal, the reigning French Open and U.S. Open champion, has had a dominant year since returning from injury in February. He has won 10 titles and reached 12 finals overall.
Serena Williams meets Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in the women’s final later Sunday.
