'Battle of the sexes' to start China Open

World No 1 Novak Djokovic (left) to play China No 1 Li Na in a charity show game to open the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on Friday night. [Photo/CFP]

World No 1 Novak Djokovic to play China No 1 Li Na in a charity show game to open the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on Friday night when each single ace shot from Li will earn 37,819 yuan ($6,178) for charity.

Kunlun Mountains Mineral Water, sponsor of Li, is reportedly donating a minimum 100,000 yuan to China Soong Ching Ling Foundation after the game while setting no ceiling on the amount if the Chinese tennis star plays more aces.

Li, US Open semifinalist and charity devotee, said she's looking to be involved in charity work after retirement while the Serbian star has been seeking a showdown with a female counterpart ever since becoming World No. 1.

Li lost to Serena Williams of the US while Djokovic lost to Rafael Nadal from Spain in this year's US Open in August.

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