CHINA TOPIX

03/28/2024 10:24:58 am

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China Open: Novak Djokovic Cruises to Second Round; Rafael Nadal Returns to Court with Win

Defending champion Novak Djokovic cruised to the second round along with second seed Rafael Nadal who returned to the court with a win at the China Open in Beijing on Tuesday.

Looking for his third straight title of the tournament, Djokovic wasted no time in disposing of Guilliermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain in two straight sets 6-2 6-1.

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"I did not underestimate my opponent definitely from the start," Djokovic said. "I wanted to step into the court and dictate the play, dictate the rallies. I think I've done well."

The World No. 1 is also looking to become the WTA Tour Finals champion for a third straight year.

The 27-year-old Serbian will now face Vasek Pospisil, who defeated Lukas Rosol 6-4, 6-3 on Monday.

After a wrist injury that sidelined the 14-time Grand Slam champion, Nadal is back on court winning his opening match against Richard Gasquet of France 6-4 6-0.

This was Nadal's first match after being defeated by Australian teen sensation Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships.

The 9-time French Open winner will now face German qualifier Peter Gojowczyk in the next round.

Britain's No. 1 Andy Murray is a wild card entry in the event. He dropped the first set in a heartbreaking tie-break before cruising through the next two sets to win the match against Poland's Jerzy Janowicz 6(9)-7(11) 6-4 6-2.

The 2013 Wimbledon titlist Murray is set to face Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay in the next round.

Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer are already qualified in the season-ending event in London but Murray is still fighting his way to land in the top eight.

With a recent win at the Shenzhen Open, Murray is still in contention at 10th place with a couple of WTA events up for grabs before the November showdown at the O2 Arena.

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