Tennis Atlantic

Djokovic Captures Shanghai Title to Complete Asian Swing Domination
Steen Kirby, Tennis Atlantic

The Shanghai Rolex Masters were again dominated by Novak Djokovic as the world #1 claimed his third Shanghai title, his ninth title of the season (five of them Masters 1000 level tournaments), and stretched his winning streak to 17 matches (73-5 record this season) with a 6-2 6-4 drubbing of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, a surprise finalist.

Djokovic was untouchable this week, surrendering just four games in his semifinal against Andy Murray, and prior to that beating Bernard Tomic, Feliciano Lopez, and Martin Klizan without dropping a set. He’s put together the best season of his career, and was one match away from having the calendar year grand slam this season.

Tsonga found form and reached his second ATP final this Fall with wins over Tommy Robredo, Victor Estrella, Albert Ramos, Kevin Anderson, and Rafael Nadal. All but the win over Estrella required three sets to get the job done, and Tsonga was out of gas by the time he reached the final in what is his best Masters 1000 level result since taking home the Rogers Cup last Summer.

Raven Klaasen and Marcelo Melo took out Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini to capture the doubles championship. The title is their second in a row in China. Bolelli and Fognini are still almost assured to qualify for the World Tour Finals though.