Nadal, Ferrer Commit To Beijing

Written by: Staff on 7th June 2012

Nadal, Ferrer Commit To Beijing |

Beijing, China

by Press Release | 07.06.2012

Original link: ( http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/06/Features/Beijing-Nadal-Ferrer-To-Play.aspx )

The Roland Garros semi-final between World No. 2 Rafael Nadal and Spanish No. 2 David Ferrer, will have extra interest for Chinese tennis fans, with the China Open Organising Committee confirming both players will compete at this year’s tournament, to be held in Beijing from 23 September – 7 October.

The addition of the two Spaniards, as well as the recent announcement of Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, means that three of the top six players on the ATP World Tour will play in Beijing this autumn.

Nadal, who is chasing his seventh Roland Garros title this week, is also a proven performer in Beijing and returns to the Chinese capital after a two-year hiatus.

In his first appearance at the China Open (2005) he won the tournament, and said at the time that it felt very good to play in Beijing. His return for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games saw him capture the Gold Medal before backing that up with a semi-final appearance at the China Open the following year.

World No.6 Ferrer, one of the most consistent players on the ATP World Tour, is again proving that he can compete with the “Big Four” in Roland Garros. He is also no stranger to the National Tennis Center in Beijing, having played the China Open three times, including a finals appearance in 2010 (l. Djokovic).

Despite different techniques, styles and personalities, the top two Spanish players both have great popularity amongst Chinese fans.

“It’s great news for both the tournament and the fans that Nadal and Ferrer are going to play at the National Tennis Center. Nadal always plays excellent tennis in Beijing and we are excited that he is coming back as he has lots of fans here. And as one of the ATP’s top players, Ferrer will provide strong competition as he looks to win his first title here at the China Open,” Tournament Director, Alfred Zhang said.

Nadal, will also join Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the 2012 China Open television commercial, which was filmed in Madrid last month.

“The China Open shoot was a good experience and I was glad that I was able to be in it for all my Chinese fans. I hope that they like the commercial and I look forward to seeing them all in Beijing at the China Open in October,” said the former World No. 1.

Topics: Beijing, David Ferrer, Rafael Nadal