After breaking through for his first China Open title in Beijing since 2005, Rafael Nadal will look to continue his winning ways when the tour swings through Shanghai.
Nadal’s dominant performance against Nick Kyrgios in the Beijing final delivered him his second title in the Chinese capital, yet first since his tournament debut 12 years ago.
He has an even leaner record at the Shanghai Rolex Masters; in seven previous visits, he’s reached the final just once, back in 2009.
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The Shanghai event is being staged this week, and Nadal is the top seed. He’s hoping his scintillating hardcourt form – he’s riding an 12-match winning streak – can carry over and help him improve on his 12-7 career record at the tournament.
“I have been fighting for this event (Beijing) for already a couple of years without success, and finally I did, so I’m very happy for that,” he said.
“I think I played one of the best events of the year, so I hope to hold that level for the next week.”
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