Djokovic Ups Record to 15-0 at China Open

October 1, 2013 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal

World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic got off to a good start on Tuesday at the 2013 China Open, needing less than an hour to oust Lukas Rosol 6-0, 6-3 to advance to round number two. Djokovic now holds an impressive 15-0 record at the China Open, having won the title in 2009, 2010 and 2012.

"I have been saying it before and I’ll say it again: I really feel special in China in relation to the fans, because I don’t get to see that often," said Djokovic. "The fans basically wait for you every single day and night in the hotel. There are 10 or 15 people always coming to take photographs with you, give you presents, and ask to spend just little bit of time with you. For me, that’s an incredible gesture of appreciation. I respect that. I thank them for their support."

Djokovic will next face Fernando Verdasco for a trip to the quarterfinals after Vedasco’s 7-6(6), 6-3 win over Somdev Devvarman.

In order to maintain his spot atop the ATP Men’s Singles Rankings, Djokovic must retain his title in Beijing. Should Rafael Nadal reach the finals, he would regain the number one ranking for the first time since July of 2011.

 


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