Djokovic wins China Open for third time

Azarenka then squandered a match point before finally taking the game and set to record a big win.

It was Azarenka’s first China Open title in four attempts and her fifth tournament triumph of the season.

Both finalists had made it to the last two without dropping a set and Azarenka is now 7-4 to the good against Sharapova in head-to-heads.

The China Open is one of four compulsory events, ranking behind only the Grand Slams and end-of-season WTA Championships in prestige.