Beijing Flashback: Novak Djokovic tops David Ferrer, defends title

• Tennis News
• Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic defended his Beijing title in 2010, defeating David Ferrer 6-2, 6-4 in an hour and 24 minutes over two days. Novak kicked off his 30th ATP final on Sunday and led 3-1 before the rain sent them off the court. Djokovic and Ferrer returned to the court on Monday and continued their battle, with the Serb sealing the deal in straight sets to celebrate his 18th ATP title.

Novak served well, dropping 14 points in nine service games. The Serb lost serve once from the only chance offered to the Spaniard and controlled the scoreboard with four breaks on his tally. Djokovic forged an early 3-1 advantage on Sunday before the rain ruined the rest of the day.

Novak kicked off the Monday action with a service winner in the fifth game before producing another comfortable hold for 5-2.

Novak Djokovic ousted David Ferrer in the 2010 Beijing final.

Ferrer served to stay in the set in game eight and got broken at 15 after a backhand error, having to raise his level in set number two to stay competitive.

David served well early in the second set and grabbed a break at 2-2 after Novak's double fault. The Spaniard cemented the advantage with a hold in game six, reaching more deuces on the return in the next one. The Serb stayed focused and held, remaining within one break deficit.

Ferrer squandered game chances at 4-3 and got broken when his forehand landed long. With a boost on his side, Djokovic held at love in the ninth game, moving in front and keeping the pressure on the other side. Novak broke David at 15 in game ten, rattling off four games and celebrating his second consecutive Beijing title.

"I'm happy to win another tournament and improve my Beijing record. It's one of the most successful tournaments in my career. I had a great start, but then I lost momentum and rhythm. I brought David back into the match with some unforced errors, and it was not a nice-looking match from both sides.

We made too many mistakes, especially David. He made my life a bit easier in the closing stages of the second set and helped me get back to the scoreboard. I served well, and that's the only thing I was happy about after the match.

Still, I won in straight sets and claimed another title; I must be pleased about that. I have felt more comfortable and confident on the court in the last couple of months, which boosts me. My serve is working well, and I'm aggressive in the rallies.

The court surface itself is suitable for my style of the game. The food in China is very healthy, so I get a lot of energy from it. Something special about this place makes me feel at home; the people are kind and hospitable. I'm looking forward to coming back again," Novak Djokovic said.