Beijing Olympic Games

Updated: 2008-06-17

(BEIJING, June 16) — Top seed Rafael Nadal shattered the dreams of Novak Djokovic to claim the Artois Championships in west London.

The Spaniard defeated his opponent in the traditional pre-Wimbledon event by 7-6(6), 7-5 in a thrilling two set final, which lasted two hours and fifteen minutes.

This victory is Nadal’s fifth men’s singles title of the season and the 28th tournament win of the world No 2’s career.

It was also the 12th meeting between Nadal and Djokovic – with Nadal having won eight of the previous 11 meetings.

It was not an easy match for Nadal, though. With impressive shots from both players, the first set eventually went to a tie-break. Djokovic lost finally 6-8 due to unforced errors. .

In the second set, the Australian Open champion let off his frustration by throwing his racquet to the ground, but it did not help as Nadal wrapped up the second set 7-5 to seal the match.

Nadal was delighted to add the trophy to recent victories at the Hamburg Masters in Germany and the French Open title.

“To win a very traditional tournament here in London, at Queen’s, where the best players of the world have been in the past for me is very nice,” said Nadal.

Djokovic felt his missed opportunities in both sets: “I should have been a little bit more aggressive and maybe I would get positive outcome. But, you know, it was a great achievement, so I’m happy in general.”

At the medal ceremony, Nadal added: “The tournament here was very, very tough. I can’t imagine I would be here with the title before the tournament.”

Nadal is expected to improve his condition ahead of the All-England Championships at Wimbledon which starts on June 23.