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China Open: Djokovic absence makes room for Nadal’s return

By Harry Floyd

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - SEPTEMBER 24: Rafael Nadal of Team Europe plays a forehand during his mens singles match against John Isner of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - SEPTEMBER 24: Rafael Nadal of Team Europe plays a forehand during his mens singles match against John Isner of Team World on the final day of the Laver cup on September 24, 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic. The Laver Cup consists of six European players competing against their counterparts from the rest of the World. Europe will be captained by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe will captain the Rest of the World team. The event runs from 22-24 September. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup) /
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China Open action kicks off this week. The absence of six-time champion Novak Djokovic could spell the return of 2005 champion Rafael Nadal.

China Open action is underway in Beijing for both men’s and women’s singles. The absence of six-time men’s singles champion Novak Djokovic opens the door for others.

Rafael Nadal is the 2005 champion at the tournament. He squares off against Lucas Pouille of France to begin his campaign for another title.

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Nadal is the top seed this week at the China Open. He already has two Grand Slam wins on the year amongst his five title wins. The world No. 1 also posts a 56-9 singles match record on the 2017 ATP World Tour.

Rafael Nadal is the player to beat in men’s singles this week at the 2017 China Open.

Throughout their careers, Nadal and Pouille have only faced one another twice competitively. Despite being 1-1 against one another, Nadal is the clearcut favorite to win their meeting.

The 2017 ATP World Tour has witnessed the resurgence of both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Both players have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals in London. Nadal will look to continue his fine play in the weeks leading up to the finals. That starts with a strong performance in Beijing at the China Open.

Next: Top 10 Men's Singles Players in Open Era

Djokovic is out for the remainder of the 2017 ATP World Tour due to injury. He, like several other top players, are recovering from injury in order to prepare for early 2018 tour action. Also absent from the China Open this week is defending men’s singles champion Andy Murray. He too is taking time away due to injury.

The vacuum provides Nadal a chance at a second title in Beijing. It also opens the door for the likes of up and coming players such as Alexander Zverev. The young German tennis star is surging on tour this year. He is the second seed this week at the China Open. Zverev squares off against Kyle Edmund in his opener at the ATP tournament. Stay tuned to see how action at the 2017 China Open unfolds.

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