Djokovic retains Shanghai Masters title

Novak Djokovic of Serbia kisses the trophy after winning the men's singles final match against Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament October 13, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

SHANGHAI - Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame a second set slump to defeat the sixth seed Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina for his second Shanghai ATP Masters title on Sunday.

One day after defeating world No 1 Rafael Nadal in the semifinals, Del Potro continued his surging form, grabbing the second set 6-3 after dropping the opening set at 6-1.

Both players were able to hit winners in the deciding third set and the match was forced into tiebreak, where the Serb was the more consistent one and sealed the set and the victory at 7-3.

By lifting his seventh trophy of the season, 26-year-old Djokovic improved his slim chances of overhauling Rafael Nadal in the battle for yearending No 1 in the ATP Rankings, and with the victory, Djokovic improved his winning streak to 20 matches on Chinese soil.

Djokovic earned $729,725 in prize money and 1,000 ATP Ranking points, while del Potro picked up $357,800 and 600 points. Both players have already qualified for the ATP World Tour Finals, to be held at The O2 in London from November 4-11.