ESPN Tennis

BEIJING -- American Andy Roddick won the China Open on Sunday, ending the dream run of unseeded Israeli Dudi Sela with a 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 victory.

The former U.S. Open champion looked to be on his way to a quick win after wrapping up the first set in 30 minutes, but Sela fought back to force a tiebreak and push the final to a third set.

"I told you guys yesterday, he probably played the best out of anyone thus far in this tournament," Roddick said of his 92nd-ranked opponent, who had knocked out top seed David Ferrer of Spain and sixth seed Tommy Robredo.

In the women's final, top-seeded Jelena Jankovic defeated No. 4 Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 6-2. It was the Serb's second title this season and the seventh of her career. It also made up for losing in last year's final to Agnes Szavay of Hungary.

It was Kuznetsova's fifth final this season -- and her fifth loss.

The victory left Jankovic just 21 points behind No. 1 Serena Williams in the WTA rankings. They are both scheduled to play in Stuttgart, Germany, in the next WTA event. Six other 10 top players are also in the field.

Having stunned Roddick with winners from all angles of the court, 23-year-old Sela faltered when serving at 2-3 in the final set.

Roddick pounced on the chance, seizing the break after scrambling to reach a drop-shot and forcing the Israeli to push the ball wide.

"I had in the back of my mind that I'd played 30-40 finals and that this was his first one, so I knew that would count for something," Roddick told reporters.

Sela, who had played a sharper brand of tennis, was left to dwell over his momentary lapse as Roddick fired five of his 17 aces in his last two service games, including one on match point.

"I showed myself that I can play with the big players," said Sela, who helped Israel beat Peru to retain its place in the Davis Cup World Group last week.

"You know it's a lot of pressure when you play against [Roddick] because you know you have to keep your serve every time."

Roddick's victory moves him closer to clinching one of the four remaining spots at the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in November, exclusive to the year's top-performing eight players.

Swiss Roger Federer, Spain's Rafael Nadal, Briton Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic of Serbia have already qualified for the prestigious Shanghai event.

Jankovic's victory avenged two losses this season to Kuznetsova, one just a week ago in Tokyo.

"When I came on court I really was motivated and came out with a game plan, especially after playing her last week," said Jankovic, a former top-ranked player.

Though she could replace Williams as No. 1 after next week's tournament in Stuttgart, Jankovic would prefer to be in that spot when the season ends. She also has winning her first grand slam in mind.

"I will work very hard in the offseason, trying to get stronger and fitter and trying to bring my tennis game to the next level," Jankovic said. "Hopefully I can win a grand slam next year."

Information from Reuters and The Associated Press was used in this report.