BEIJING: Novak Djokovic continued his 100 per cent record at the China Open yesterday overcoming late resistance from Vasek Pospisil to win 6-3, 7-5, while Petra Kvitova powered through her women’s singles match.
The number one seed in Beijing was playing at his dominating best in the first set, breaking serve in the third and final games as he appeared to be in control.
But the Serb lost his trademark composure midway through the second set, screaming to himself in anger as he failed to capitalise on a break point in the fourth game.
Canadian Pospisil was in the ascendency three games later, drawing level at 40-40 with a brilliant cross-court shot which left the World No 1 flat-footed.
The 41st ranked player in the world then went on to force break-point and took the game following an incredible 26-shot rally.
But his valiant fightback was in vain when a clearly relieved Djokovic won the next game, punching the air with delight and screaming as he made it 5-5.
Djokovic then took the next two games as he closed in on victory, and moments later was dancing to the applause of the crowd as a dejected Pospisil made his way to the court exit.
In the women’s competition, World No 3 Petra opened her campaign to win a second consecutive event in China in commanding style.
The Czech player defeated home-crowd favourite Peng Shuai 6-4, 6-2 in her first match since her victory at the Wuhan Open last Saturday, advancing in Beijing with the same confidence she showed at the earlier tournament.
World No 8 Caroline Wozniacki was hoping to confirm her place at the WTA Finals in Singapore with a deep run in Beijing, but crashed out in her first match at the hands of Samantha Stosur, losing 6-4, 7-6 (11-9). AFP