China Open organizers on Saturday confirmed the participation of 2013 Roland Garros finalist and 2005 China Open Champion Rafael Nadal at this year's tournament, making his first appearance in Beijing in four years.
Rafa Nadal displayed the athleticism and self-belief that earned him seven French Open titles to tame Novak Djokovic 6-4 3-6 6-1 6-7(3) 9-7 in a pulsating 4-1/2 hour Roland Garros semi-final on Friday.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal meet for the 35th time on Friday with a French Open final place at stake as well as their reputations as the two heavyweights of the sport.
Rafa Nadal turned claycourt machine once again with a 6-2 6-3 6-1 demolition of Swiss ninth seed Stanislas Wawrinka in the French Open quarter-finals.
Djokovic ends golden oldie Haas' Paris adventure
All Rafael Nadal wanted for his 27th birthday at the French Open on Monday was his forehand back and he got his wish as the Spaniard's most feared weapon demolished Japan's Kei Nishikori and sent the defending champion into the quarter-finals.
Defending champion Rafael Nadal survived an early scare in the second round to beat Martin Klizan while second seed Roger Federer reached the last 16 with an easy win over 30th seed Julien Benneteau.
Rafael Nadal achieved an unexpectedly easy win over Roger Federer in their 30th clash as the Spaniard bagged his seventh Rome Masters title on Sunday.
World No 3 Roger Federer moved one step closer to his first title this season when he beat Jerzy Janowicz 6-4, 7-6 (2) to advance to the semifinals of the Italian Open on Friday.
Rafael Nadal sped to victory in the final of the Madrid Open this Sunday as he defeated number 16 seed Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 6-4.
Rafa Nadal's seeding at the French Open is irrelevant as the Spaniard's prowess on clay means he will always be dangerous, said his rival Roger Federer.
Novak Djokovic ended Rafael Nadal's eight-year reign at the Monte Carlo Masters with a clinical 6-2 7-6 victory in the final on Sunday.
The French Open should consider protecting Rafael Nadal with a higher seeding to avoid a potential quarterfinal clash with Novak Djokovic, according to Roland Garros committee member Guy Forget.