Tomas Berdych had played Novak Djokovic 17 times before, but even he had trouble recognizing the player on the other side of the net in the Beijing final.

The world No. 1 went up 6-0, 5-0 before Berdych won a game, and went on to record a 6-0, 6-2 win over the world No. 6.

"I met somebody in the final who I’ve never seen before," said a stunned Berdych, suggesting it could have been the best anyone has ever played against him. "I was just swept off the court.

"I just said to my coach now that I probably played over 700 matches in my career, and I met guys like Andre, Roger, all those probably in their best times. But I have never, ever experienced anything like that."

Djokovic has been unbeatable in Beijing, going 24-0 with five titles.

"It was incredible. Incredible. Especially against Tomas, who has a big game and is already an experienced player. It was 6-0, 5-0 in under an hour. Everything I tried worked. To be proud of the performance is the least I can say of how I played tonight," he said.

"I have played some great finals, had some convincing wins, some straight-set wins against top rivals. But with this kind of performance and with this domination result-wise, I mean, it’s never happened."

The Serb had not won a tournament since Wimbledon, falling to Kei Nishikori in the semifinals of the U.S. Open. However, he declared himself in top shape following a victory against Andy Murray in the semifinals.

"I just wasn't myself on the court. I wasn't really prepared emotionally to go back and compete again after Wimbledon and a very exhausting summer, everything that happened in my professional and private life," he said. "I'm glad that I'm back in the form that I would like to be in, especially in these courts.”

Djokovic is looking for a third consecutive year of dominance during the Asian swing, and will be going for a third title in Shanghai this week.