By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, October 9, 2016
Agnieszka Radwanska showed multi-tasking skills in Beijing today.
The third seed played tour guide masterfully mixing her speeds and spins to direct Johanna Konta around the court.
Watch: Maria Sharapova Suspension Shortened to 15 Months
Striking with precision, Radwanska dissected Konta, 6-4, 6-2, to capture her 20th career title at the China Open.
Contesting her third Beijing final, Radwanska joined Serena Williams and Svetlana Kuznetsova as the third woman to rule Beijing twice.
"Third final, second title here so of course a big day," said Radwanska, who defeated Andrea Petkovic in the 2011 final. "It's a very special week for me. It couldn't be any better."
It was an impeccable week in which the 27-year-old Pole did not drop a set en route to winning her sixth consecutive final. Radwanska scored straight-sets wins over wild card Qiang Wang, Ekaterina Makarova, Caroline Wozniacki, Yaroslava Shvedova and Elina Svitolina.
Radwanska scored her 17th victory in her last 20 matches, raising her record to 49-16 on the season.
Despite the defeat, Konta realized a career-defining week.
The 25-year-old Briton will crack the Top 10 for the first time when new WTA Rankings are released tomorrow. Konta is the first British woman since Jo Durie 32 years ago to reach the Top 10 and just the fourth British woman to attain Top 10 status joining Virgina Wade and Sue Barker.
"It's pretty cool," Konta said of her rise to the Top 10. "I'm very pleased with my progress over the last two years. Hopefully there are many more places to climb. I'm enjoying my journey."
Radwanska played cleaner tennis committing half as many unforced errors (11 to 22) as her Konta, raising her record to 9-8 against Top 20 opponents this season.
“I think what she's doing is great" Radwanska said of Konta. "She's really playing fast from the bounce. You don't have much time. Everything is going pretty much fast and flat. She's not giving any time to think or run. She is a very aggressive player with a really good serve. Mixing up a lot, as well.”
The third-seed converted both of her break-point chances to seize the opening set. Radwanska raced out to a 5-1 second-set lead. Attacking net, Konta held for 2-5.
Radwanska lofted an exquisite lob winner to earn championship point.
Zapping an ace out wide, Radwanska sealed her 20th title in style.
"Every title is special each year when you play one of the biggest tournaments," Radwanska said. "I've been playing good tennis this year. I'm just very glad to win this title again."