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SHANGHAI. — Novak Djokovic flew to the Shanghai Masters yesterday just hours after lifting his eighth tennis trophy of the year in Beijing — and few look capable of stopping him grab title number nine this week. A 6-2, 6-2 victory over long-time rival Rafael Nadal underlined the dominance of the world number one, who stretched his China Open winning streak to 29 matches without dropping a set. Defending champion Roger Federer and Andy Murray await in China’s southeastern metropolis, in what is a challenge of a different order for Djokovic with an elite men’s field.

But the 10-time Grand Slam-winner is no stranger to success at Shanghai’s Qi Zhong Stadium, after claiming two Masters titles and the 2008 Tennis Masters Cup at the large venue on the city’s outskirts.

After a breathtaking China Open, when he lost only 18 games and extended his record to 9-0 in Chinese finals, Djokovic had no doubts about maintaining his level this week. — AFP.