Djokovic Drops to World Number Two, But Wins Fourth China Open Title

October 7, 2013 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Adam Wolfthal

Novak Djokovic lost the world number one ranking this weekend to Rafael Nadal, yet prevailed over the new world number one Nadal in the finals of the 2013 China Open, 6-3, 6-4. It was Nadal’s fourth China Open title in five years. Nadal only needed to reach the final in Beijing in order to replace Djokovic as world number one when the new rankings came out today. 

”I needed this win today. I really wanted to get my hands on the trophy and win against Nadal who has been the best player so far in 2013,” said Djokovic.

Since winning the Monte-Carlo Masters in April against Nadal, Djokovic had lost to the left-handed Spaniard in the French Open semifinals, the Rogers Cup semifinals and the final of the U.S. Open.

"I managed to stay tough and not drop my concentration, which I think (happened) in both Montreal and at the U.S. Open in the important moments," Djokovic said. "I learned my lesson. It was a few very tough and close matches that I lost against Rafa on hard courts, especially the last one in the U.S. Open final."

Nadal, the reigning French Open and U.S. Open champion, has had a dominant year since returning in February from a seven-month layoff due to a left knee injury. He has won 10 titles and reached 12 finals overall, compiling an ATP Tour-best record of 65-4 on the season. He hadn’t lost a match since falling in the opening round at Wimbledon to 135th-ranked Steve Darcis of Belgium in June, his only previous blip this year.

”I am back at the number one, something that I really thought that I would never have the chance to be back there,” Nadal said. ”I’m playing one of the best seasons of my career, probably one of the more emotional years, if not the most for so many facts.”


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Century
Oneononedoubles banner art resize

March/April 2024 Digital Edition