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Grand slams stars to shine at China Open

By Guan Xiaomeng (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-09-09 17:24

One year after the Beijing Olympics, the Beijing Olympic Green Tennis Court will again host Rafael Nadal, the Beijing Olympic champion, together with a swarm of his fellow star players.

The organizing committee of the China Open tennis tournament announced on Monday all of the regular players confirmed to play at the upcoming Open in early October are ranked within the ATP top 50.

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Top ten seeds and grand slam winners including Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick will join the tournament in China and eighteen of the top-30 ranked men's players have also confirmed. All of the 25 regular players are from the top 45. Two of the wildcards have gone to former China Open champions, but lower-ranked, Marat Safin of Russia and Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus.

On the women's side, big names like the Williams sisters, Dinara Safina and Elena Dementieva, who are competing at the ongoing US Open, will play at the tournament in China.

Chinese sensations 19th seed Li Na, the highest-ranked Chinese player, and doubles specialist Zheng Jie will compete for the title named after their country.

The ten-day tournament from October 2 has been upgraded to one of the top-tier Asian events this year, putting it just one step below the four annual grand slams, namely the Australian Open, the Wimbledon Open, the French Open and the US Open.

Possible eye-catching match-ups

Rafael Nadal vs Robin Soderling

The Nadal terminator grabbed the world's attention at this year's French Open. Nadal is seeking revenge and Soderling is geared to beat more top players.

Serena Williams vs Venus Williams

The Williams sisters have been ruling the tennis world for the past ten years, winning 18 grand slam titles and presenting eight Williams derbies. Another "family fight" is expected.

Maria Sharapova vs Kim Clijsters

Recovering Russian babe Sharapova and new mom Clijsters are both aiming for a perfect comeback.