Rafael Nadal outdueled Grigor Dimitrov in an Australian Open five-set semifinal thriller.
The pair could reprise their rivalry in the China Open semifinals.
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A year ago, Dimitrov broke serve five times in a row surprising Nadal, 6-4, 6-2, in the Beijing quarterfinals.
Both will likely be tested to set up a semifinal rematch.
World No. 1 Nadal opens against Lucas Pouille, the man who knocked him out of the 2016 US Open, followed by a potential round of 16 clash with Karen Khachanov and a possible quarterfinal meeting with John Isner, who toppled Nadal at the Laver Cup.
The reigning Roland Garros and US Open champion is playing for his 75th career title, including his sixth title of the season. Nadal defeated Guillermo Coria to win Beijing in 2005 and was runner-up to Novak Djokovic in both 2013 and 2015.
Cincinnati champion Dimitrov takes on St. Petersburg champion Damir Dzumhur in round one followed by possible matches with wild card Juan Martin del Potro and fifth-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut.
The eighth-ranked Bulgarian lost to Andy Murray in the 2016 Beijing final.
Photo credit: China Open Facebook