By Erik Gudris | Saturday, October 4, 2014
Can anyone beat Novak Djokovic in Beijing?
That continues to be the question as the event's defending champion seeks a fifth China Open title after an impressive semifinal win on Friday.
Djokovic faced off against Andy Murray who was fresh off winning his first title of the year in Shenzhen. Their 22nd career meeting featured several intense rallies as expected. Yet it was Djokovic who proved tougher in the key moments.
Several backhand errors from Murray in the first set cost him to lose his serve and then the set 6-3. Djokovic broke early to start the second and looked in total control.
Murray countered by breaking back by that momentum proved short-lived. Djokovic broke back for 5-4 while Murray responded by breaking his own racquet in frustration.
Soon, Djokovic served out the tough but still two set win 6-3, 6-4.
"It was a two-set victory today, but still it felt like I had to work hard to win the points," Djokovic said. "There was a lot of rally exchanges. He had a lot of chances to come back. He was 4-3 up. Just in important moments I managed to play the better tennis."
Djokovic now improves to 23-0 in Beijing and goes after his fifth event title on Sunday.
Tomas Berdych awaits in the final.
The Czech took on Martin Klizan in the second semifinal. Klizan entered having pulled off the biggest upset win of his career by taking out Rafael Nadal in the quarters.
Yet Berdych proved too much for Klizan as he walked away with the 6-4, 6-1 win.
Berdych, a former winner in Beijing, goes after his second title of this season having won Rotterdam earlier. Berdych also keeps his hopes alive for potential qualification for the upcoming ATP Tour Finals in London.
(Photo Credit: AP)