BEIJING, Oct.7 (Xinhua) -- World No.2 Novak Djokovic from Serbia captured a record third China Open title after edging past always-dangerous and talented Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final on Sunday.
Djokovic is the only player who can defended title here after winning in 2009 and 2010 and this time he made history again by winning the China Open for a record third time.
The 25-year-old took one hour and 45 minutes to claim the victory at 7-6(4), 6-2. It was also his fourth title of the year.
"I am planning to come back to the China Open next year. It's been one of my most successful tournaments. This is where I love to play. I love the conditions," said Djokovic, who is now undefeated with a 14-0 win/loss record in his three appearances in the Chinese capital.
"I have lots of support from the fans who are very loyal and very nice. So I will really look forward to come back here next year and try to get another title."
The opening set was very close, with Tsonga good at serving and registering seven aces while Djokovic looking more tactical. After exchanging breaks in the fifth and sixth games, both players held serve until the set was forced into tiebreak.
In the deciding tiebreak, Djokovic stormed to a 3-0 lead, and Tsonga stayed calm and pulled within 4-3. After that, Tsonga was inconsistent and made a couple of deadly unforced errors before Djokovic took the first set at 7-4.
With one set in hand, Djokovic started to call the shots in the second set while Tsonga, despite powering out nine more aces, found it hard to hold serve. After breaking in the third and fifth games, Djokovic never looked back.
"I think the first set was really even, and maybe a couple points decided the winner there. I managed to hold my nerves in the tiebreak. He made the double fault that probably cost him the set," said the Serb.
"And then, when you're getting to the second set with the set advantage, mentally it is much more encouraging for you, and you try to play on that confidence run that you have."
Earlier, American Mike Bryan overtook Australian Todd Woodbridge's mark of 83 career doubles titles when he, alongside with brother Bob, beat Argentine Carlos Berlocq and Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan 6-3, 6-2 for their third China Open title in four years.