Rafael Nadal resumes his pursuit of the number one ranking in men's tennis when he plays his opening match at the China Open later today.
The Spaniard has played only one tournament since winning the U.S. Open earlier this month, leading his country to a crushing Davis Cup win, and he's re-energised for the final stretch of a season that started under a cloud but has turned into one of his best.
Since returning from a seven-month injury lay-off in February the 27-year-old has been virtually unstoppable, winning 10 titles and compiling a 61-3 record.
Novak Djokovic, who he beat in the French Open semi-finals and in the US Open final, remains number one but with no points to defend between now and the ATP World Tour finals, Nadal looks a strong favourite to climb above the Serb.
The world number three Andy Murray is missing from the China draw having undergone back surgery, and Roger Federer is also absent.
