The Asian Swing is often important for the rankings. Last year an unfit Federer had to go to Shanghai to break an incredible record: being 300 weeks at the top of the rankings. (That seems to be 100 years ago). Now, Rafa has a clear shot to regain the world no.1 status, something that seemed impossible one year ago when he was sidelined by his injury.
Final = World no.1
Rafa needs to “just” reach the final to get the 1st rank as the 300 points will help him to get past Novak Djokovic that can’t add any points to his rankings as he is the Beijing defending champion.
Training with Verdasco
Rafa is preparing the week with his dear friend and compatriot Fernando Verdasco to post on Facebook “With #FernandoVerdasco ! After practice with him at #Beijing”
Opener vs. Giraldo
Rafa will play the opener against the qualifier and world no. 89 Santiago Giraldo. Head to head is 5-0 for Rafa that is the super-hot favorite to get to the second round.