Important things to watch in Beijing at the ATP China Open

The ATP 500 calendar returns this week as Beijing welcomes eight of the Top 10 players in the world for the China Open. Let’s take a look at what you should be focusing on during the tournament.

Carlos Alcaraz is back in action – The brilliant Spaniard brings his electrifying game to a Beijing crowd that has surely been thirsting for high-level tennis ever since the pandemic began. Alcaraz last played in the US Open semifinals where he was bested by Daniil Medvedev, who is also in this field. He decided not to play any team events leading up to this so he should be well rested.

It’s a loaded field but he will surely be one of the favorites.

Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitispas and Holger Rune searching for a big result – It has been tough sledding for this trio in recent months. Rune can’t seem to win any match. Ruud was knocked out early from both Masters 1000 events leading up to New York.

All you need to look for at the China Open

The Norwegian then promptly got sent packing early there as well. Beijing could be an opportunity to right the ship.

Tsitispas was felled before the second week at the US Open as well in a brutal match. He won a title in Los Cabos but that seems like a long time ago. These guys have the talent but are lacking the results to lift their games.

Can Alexander Zverev continue his ascendency? – Fresh off of his second ATP title of the season last week in Chengdu, Zverev rolls into Beijing with a wave of momentum.

There is going to be no shortage of enticing matchups at this event but he certainly will feel like his game can topple anyone at the moment. If he can fight off any fatigue factor it could be another long run for the German.

Andy Murray and Alex De Minaur qualify as dark horses – Two players who at a lot of 500-level events would be amongst the favorites are almost forgotten guys in this draw. Both are in relatively good form and could pose a threat. However, they play each other in their opener and the winner gets Medvedev. Ouch.

This could be one of the most competitive ATP 500 tournaments we have seen in a long time. The Beijing crowd is going to be spoiled with this one. Come back for more coverage of what is surely going to be a barnstorm of an event.