By Erik Gudris | Tuesday, September 16, 2014
With Rafael Nadal and Li Na planning their returns in Asia, there's plenty of intriguing storylines to keep tennis fans engaged after the US Open.
Photo Credit: AP
While many tennis fans are recovering from an exciting and unpredictable US Open, the tours themselves swing over to Asia for the next few weeks. With plenty of intriguing storylines, it might be worth staying up late or getting up early wherever you are to keep track of them all.
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Rafael Nadal: Back in Beijing?
French Open champion Rafael Nadal, who withdrew from all summer hard court events, including New York, is scheduled to make his official comeback in Beijing at the China Open. Of course, that's assuming his injured wrist is fully healed.
With the often cautious Nadal, who hasn't played a match since losing to Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon, not wanting to rush his comeback, a return instead at the ATP 1000 Masters event later in Shanghai wouldn't be a surprise.
Li Na: Returning or Retiring?
Another player who missed a lot of time this summer with injury was China's Li Na. The reigning Australian Open champion hasn't played a match since Wimbledon due to a knee issue. After recently parting ways with coach Carlos Rodriguez, the veteran's career remains the subject of much speculation.
Though Li is scheduled to make her comeback at the inaugural Wuhan Open in her hometown, some think the event might also be her swan song. During the US Open, CBS tennis analyst Mary Carillo said on air that Li was preparing to announce her retirement in Wuhan. While that has yet to be confirmed or denied by anyone, it definitely makes Li's return another reason to tune in to this new WTA event.
Roger Federer: Staying Close to Home for Davis Cup?
After clinching the first Davis Cup final appearance since 1992 for the Swiss, Roger Federer's fall schedule just got a little less certain. Will the world No. 3, who is only scheduled for the upcoming Shanghai Masters, choose to stay in Europe and save some energy for the indoor events there and, ultimately, the Davis Cup final in late November? Considering that the Shanghai event's title sponsor (Rolex) is also one of Federer's sponsors makes it likely the Swiss Maestro will arrive after all.
Andy Murray: Making Up Ground Before London
What's next for Andy Murray after a very up and down season? After his US Open quarterfinals loss to Novak Djokovic, Murray is trying to make up some ground before the ATP Tour Finals in London later this year. Murray is currently ranked No. 12, the first time he's been outside the top 10 since 2008.
With Murray still chasing a qualifying berth into London, he recently accepted a wildcard into the upcoming Shenzhen Open and the China Open in Beijing along with being scheduled for Shanghai. Having only beaten one top ten player all year (Jo-Wilfried Tsonga), Murray will have to step it up if he wants to make the elite eight year-end event.
WTA: Can Wozniacki Make it to Singapore?
Caroline Wozniacki, now back inside the WTA top 10, finds herself in ninth place in the race for the WTA year-end event in Singapore. Solid results in Asia would boost her chances and, perhaps, edge her past Ana Ivanovic. Don't be surprised if both women find themselves battling for that last spot right down to the very end.