Novak Djokovic is set to lose his grip on the world number one spot next week, but he will do so as the champion of the China Open and with a final win over the new leader of the world rankings, Rafa Nadal, as his most recent outing on the court.

The Serb knew before the final that his Spanish rival would be replacing him at the top of the world rankings for the first time since July 2011 but softened that blow with a straight sets 6-3 6-4 win.

Djokovic went about securing the title with a break of serve on Nadal’s first service game as he rushed into a 3-0 lead. The first set was a long way from some of the epic encounters between these two in the past and was finished inside 35 minutes.

Djokovic began the second set with another break of Nadal’s serve and held off the challenge of the US Open champion to wrap up his fourth China Open title.

Image: File photo - Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open 2011
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