Novak Djokovic claimed his fourth China Open tennis crown with a straight-sets victory over Rafael Nadal.
The Serbian, who will surrender top spot in the world rankings to the Spaniard, captured his fourth ATP World Tour title of the year with a 6-3 6-4 win in Beijing.
The result improved Djokovic’s record in the Chinese capital to 19-0 and made him the first four-time winner of the event following his successes in 2009, 2010 and 2012.
Nadal had secured his return to the world No 1 spot on Saturday when he advanced to the final courtesy of semi-final opponent Tomas Berdych retiringwith a back injury, with the Czech trailing 4-2 in the first set.
The 27-year-old’s rise to the top follows a remarkable comeback following a lengthy lay-off with a knee injury. Since returning to the court in February, Nadal has won 10 titles, including the French Open and US Open.
“I needed this win today,” Djokovic said after halting Nadal’s 22-match winning streak.
“I really wanted to get my hands on the trophy and win against Nadal, who has been the best player so far in 2013. It’s very important for my confidence. It’s very important, mentally and emotionally, for me.
“It’s been an incredible week again for me at the China Open. I still haven’t lost a match here. I just love the conditions.”
Nadal was gracious in defeat, saying: “I didn’t see the way to stop him this afternoon.
“This afternoon he was too strong for me. I didn’t play my best match, but he played at a very high level with his serve.
In the women’s event, Serena Williams made light work of Jelena Jankovic, toppling the Serbian eighth seed 6-2 6-2 to claim her 56th WTA Tourtitle
The American looked assured in convincingly clinching the first set but then appeared troubled at the start of the second by the back injury which hindered her semi-final win.
Jankovic capitalised with a break of serve to go 2-1 up, but Williams responded by reeling off the next five straight games to prevail in one hour 28 minutes.
“I’m really excited I didn’t think I’d win this tournament starting out, so I’m really happy to be here holding the trophy,” Williams said on court after capturing her 10th title of 2013.”