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Novak Djokovic - Source: Reuters -
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Second seed Novak Djokovic was rejuvenated by a rain break and came back on court to beat Croatian Marin Cilic 6-2 7-6 and win his third title of the season at the China Open on Monday.
French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova managed to avoid the rain and overcame the challenge of Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 6-4 to claim a second China Open title in the first year of its elevated status as one of the WTA's "crown jewel" events.
Djokovic, who will move up to number three in the world later this month, earlier kept his 100 percent career record against the world number 15 intact in a contest long on rallies but short on quality.
"Even though it was a straight sets win, it could easily have gone the other way," said the 22-year-old Serbian, who will take home $500,000.
"I think I was a little bit saved by the rain delay. I got my nerves together and managed to play well."
Imitated Nadal
Djokovic imitated Rafa Nadal by biting the trophy he was awarded but that was the only resemblance between the two players in their China Open ties against Cilic, who demolished the Spanish world number two in the semi-finals.
Cilic had been inspired in his victory over Nadal and looked the more dangerous of the finalists on Sunday before the rain break, but struggled to pick up the pace after the 90-minute interruption.
Djokovic, who had saved six break points in his first three service games, seized on his chance and some deft touches and Cilic errors quickly put him a set up.
Eighth seeded wildcard Cilic, who had never lost a tour final, rallied immediately by breaking Djokovic with his whipped returns to open the second set.
That turned out to be only the first of six breaks in a topsy turvy set punctuated by long rallies, with Cilic serving twice in an attempt to level the match before Djokovic claimed the last break to bring up a tiebreak.
US Open semi-finalist Djokovic always looked the most likely winner and secured his third victory in eight finals this year when Cilic made the last of his 25 unforced errors by going wide with a forehand.
"Today I failed, I'm a little bit disappointed but after I've slept on it, I think I'll feel better," said 21-year-old Cilic, who has won two titles in his breakthrough year.
"I started pretty good but when I came back out, the conditions were a little bit different, it was a bit cooler and I missed my shots."
