Tennis: Caroline Wozniacki wins China Open

Caroline Wozniacki defeated Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 6-3 to win the China Open in Beijing and her third WTA title of the year Sunday.

The victory was Wozniacki’s second title in Beijing.

The unseeded Sevastova downed U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka in the semifinal but couldn’t handle the second-seeded Dane’s punishing ground strokes.

Though Sevastova threatened late in the second set, Wozniacki broke in the ninth game to wrap up the title, the 30th of her career.

Wozniacki said eight was her lucky number and, having won in Beijing eight years ago, she “felt it was my year.”

“Last time was different. I was 20 years old,” Wozniacki said. “A lot has happened since then.

“I think I just really appreciate still being here, playing well, being able to win these titles.”

Sevastova said she had seen a path to victory in the second set before Wozniacki slammed the door.

“I think the second set should have been closer. Maybe I had even chances to win it,” Sevastova said.

Basilashvili wins men’s final

In the China Open men’s final, Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia beat top-seeded Juan Martin del Potro 6-4, 6-4. The big-hitting Basilashvili collected his second title of the year after winning in Hamburg, Germany.

U.S. Open finalist Del Potro has the consolation of having qualified for the ATP Finals in London next month.

Basilashvili saved all seven break points he faced against the Argentine.

Medvedev beats Nishikori in Japan

Daniil Medvedev beat local favorite Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-4 in the Japan Open final in Tokyo on Sunday for his third career ATP title.

The third-seeded Nishikori reached the tournament decider without dropping a set but was broken three times by Medvedev.

Medvedev won for the second time this year as a qualifier, after Sydney in January, and became the first Russian to win the Japan Open.