World number two Novak Djokovic retained his
Shanghai Masters title with a thrilling 6-1 3-6 7-6
(7-3) win over Juan Martin Del Potro.
The 26-year-old took advantage of the Argentine's
sloppy service game in the first set before his opponent
fought back to take the second and level.
Del Potro saved two match points in the 10th game of
the decider, but the Serb proved too strong in the tie-
break.
The Shanghai crown is Djokovic's fifth ATP Tour title of
the year.
The victory also caps a good two weeks in the country
for the six-time major winner, who came into the
tournament having beaten world number one Rafael
Nadal to land his fourth China Open title.
"It was a great experience again in Shanghai with a
thrilling performance from both my opponent and
myself," said the 2013 champion.
"I think the tournament had a fantastic final. I'm just
very glad to go out as a winner from the court tonight
from such a close match."
In Sunday's final, Djokovic raced through the first set as
his opponent failed to find any rhythm with his first
serve, winning just eight points from 14. The figures
were worse on his second serve - three from 11.
The Australian Open champion broke Del Potro in the
second and fourth games before the Argentine finally
opened his account for 5-1. However, Djokovic took a
one-set advantage when the world number five's
return went wide in the next game.
Del Potro improved in the next set and carved out two
breaks points in the second game, taking his chance at
the first attempt with a great return that brushed the
line. He then held serve and took the set with a love
game in the ninth.
There was little between the players inside the Qizhong
Arena during the decider until the 10th game, when
Djokovic had two match points at 5-4. He wasted the
first with a long return and was then deceived by the
kick of Del Potro's serve.
However, Djokovic made the most of his opportunities
in the tie-break - and produced arguably the shot of
the match when he hit an incredible cross-court
dipping volley to take the mini-break to go 4-2 up.
The former world number one then held his nerve to
take his 15th Masters title, while Del Potro's search for
his first continues.
Comments
Post a Comment