CHINA OPEN 2014: Top seeds on the march

As a rain delayed second round takes place today in Beijing, I take a look at how the top seeds have progressed to this stage of the China Open 2014 and how things are shaping up for the race to London’s World Tour Finals next month.

Competition at Beijing seems to be building nicely as the top seeds sweep through their first round matches, although some had more of a battle than others.

Murray fighting hard in his first round match against Jerzy Janowicz in Beijing

Fresh from his victory in Shenzhen last week, Brit Andy Murray had a bit of a tussle with Pole Jerzy Janowicz, coming through 6-7(9) 6-4 6-2. Conditions are much cooler this week, after the humidity of Shenzhen, but Murray’s frustrations were still with him it seemed, as a smashed racquet followed the end of the first set. This was hardly surprising however given he had fought from 5-1 down to force a tie-break. Despite gaining some set points, Murray just couldn’t clinch the first set.

Not one easily beaten however, Murray soon established some authority over his 6’8″ opponent, grinding out the win in 2 hours and 28 minutes. He’ll play Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay next. Andy appeared disappointed with his performance:

“I don’t feel like I played a particularly good match today. I fought very hard and tried my best and managed to get the win. That’s what I’ll try and do this week.”

He will be hoping to pull off a win this week if he wants a good chance of qualifying for the World Tour Finals in November, the 27 year old is ranked 10th in the race as things stand. It’s likely Murray will have to win against both Djokovic and Nadal, who have both already qualified for the season ending event. If things go according to seeding’s, there are certainly some good matches to look forward to in the final stages of the tournament.

Novak is cruising through the rounds this week in Beijing

It’s a great start to the month for current world number 1, Novak Djokovic who has today extended his perfect run in Beijing to 21-0. The Serb has not lost a match here since his debut in 2009 (he missed 2011 through injury), and clearly wants things to stay that way. He won 6-3 7-5 against Canadian Pospisil to make it to the third round, earlier dispatching Garcia-Lopez 2 and 1 in the first round. Aiming for his fifth title here, Novak is not lacking in motivation:

“You work all your life and you dream about becoming the No. 1 in the world, the best in what you do. It’s definitely always the highest priority out there along with winning Grand Slam titles. That gives me plenty of motivation. It would mean a lot to me. That’s why I’m out here in Beijing and Shanghai, competing and trying to get that year-end No. 1.”

Due to his recent return from injury, all eyes were undoubtedly on the second seed in this year’s China Open, Spaniard Rafa Nadal. His first round encounter with Frenchman Richard Gasquet didn’t disappoint. There were no signs of rust after a 13 week layoff, as Nadal played a fine match, beating his opponent 6-4 6-0 with some booming inside-out and down-the-line forehands, as shown in the day’s hot shot below.

Rafa looked hungry and back on top form. Gasquet was simply not allowed to play, as is all too often the case when he faces Nadal, his losing head to head record has now extended to 13-0. Nadal goes on to face German qualifier Peter Gojowczyk in the second round.

2011 China Open winner Tomas Berdych and US Open champion Marin Cilic also came through their first round encounters in Beijing yesterday. They’ll be back in action, baring rain delays, along with Murray and Nadal on Thursday.

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