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Nadal keen on return to Beijing
Beijing, 19 September 2005 - Rafael Nadal likes Beijing, he enjoys playing at the China Open and he fully intends to return next year to defend his newly won title.
With the world No.2 providing a ringing endorsement, China Open organisers believe their tournament has a bright future in a country where tennis is still gaining a foothold.
“I’ve had a great week,” was Spanish superkid Nadal’s verdict after wrapping up his 10th title of an astonishing year with a come-from-behind victory over Argentina’s Guillermo Coria at the Beijing Tennis Centre.
“I like this tournament. The fans have treated me very well and I’m glad I’ve been able to play some good tennis for them. I think Beijing is a fantastic city – it’s just a pity I did not have more time for sight-seeing, because I was playing almost every day.
“But I would definitely like to come back next year to defend my title. I also hope to be here to play in the Olympics in 2008.”
Nadal’s thrilling 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 victory capped an entertaining men’s singles tournament – with more thrills expected this week as the women’s singles gets underway on Monday.
Tournament director Ekkehard Rathgeber was delighted with the events of the opening week. “We’ve had some great action, a memorable final and one of the most recognisable players in the world crowned as champion,” he said.
“Overall, we’re happy with the way the tournament is progressing. The Chinese fans are relatively new to tennis, but they are extremely enthusiastic and are learning quickly.”
Rathgeber, who is also Chief Operating Officer of China Open co-organiser TOM Group Limited, added: “The number of people attending the matches increased as the week went on and you could see at the final there was a great atmosphere.
“The first two winners of the men’s title at the China Open have been Marat Safin and Rafael Nadal – both grand slam champions and household names. That tells you the sort of player we are attracting to Beijing.”
The ATP was also pleased with the tournament and said that most of the teething problems from last year’s inaugural event had been sorted out.
“It went very smoothly, with the majority of issues being corrected,” said ATP event supervisor Ed Hardisty. “The co-operation between the Organising Committee and the event co-organisers was excellent and made for a very successful week.”
China Open organisers expect attendances to climb even higher this week with a women’s event that is headlined by world No.1 Maria Sharapova and multiple grand slam winners Venus and Serena Williams. World No.2 Lindsay Davenport withdrew from the tournament on Monday after injuring her back while winning Sunday’s Wismilak International final in Bali.
“Lindsay has been in great form this season and had really been looking forward to playing in Beijing,” said Rathgeber.
“The good news is that we still have a tremendous women’s singles competition to look forward to with Sharapova and the Williams sisters, plus some of the rising stars of women’s tennis.
“In addition to the three grand slam champions, we have Alicia Molik [world No.14], Jelena Jankovic [17], Tatiana Golovin [25], Flavia Pennetta [28] and Maria Kirilenko [45].
“And I am sure the fans here in Beijing are anxious to see China’s top players, including Peng Shuai, Li Na, Sun Tiantian and Li Ting. We are confident all these players will bring us some great action and ensure we have a very exciting and competitive China Open.”
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Released on behalf of TOM Group and the China Open by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.