Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych has won the Shenzhen Open with a hard fought victory against France's Richard Gasquet in the finals.

Berdych defeated the third seed Gasquet (7-5) 6-7 (2-7) 6-3. The victory gives the Czech tennis star his first ATP title of 2016 season and his first title since winning the Stockholm Open in October 2015.

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"Five weeks ago, I was in hospital, now I'm sitting here with the trophy," Berdych said after winning the finals. "Luckily for me, everything is going well, I'm feeling good, sitting here as a winner."

Before the tournament, Berdych was suffering from appendicitis that had forced him to pull out of the US Open. 

The 31-year-old Czech star is now aiming to appear at his seventh consecutive World Tour finals slated in London's O2 arena every year. However, he needs to beat Spanish star Rafael Nadal first, who at present holds the final qualifying place.

Meanwhile, Russia's 101 ranked Karen Khachanov has won the inaugural Chengdu Open after defeating fifth seed Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas. The 20-year-old tennis star came from a set down to record a 6-7 (4-6) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 win over the Spaniard.

The 18^th edition of China Open will also kick start from Monday in Beijing.

The 500 ATP tournament will feature big tennis stars like Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Johanna Konta. World no 1 Novak Djokovic won't be playing in the tournament this year, though, due to elbow injury. 

TagsTomas Berdych, Richard Gasquet, Shenzhen Open, china