World No.1 Rafael Nadal said on Monday that it would be a tough start in China Open as the Spaniard will take on French player Lucas Pouille in the first round.

Pouille, who ranks No.23 in the world has beaten Nadal in the U.S. Open last year, so the event can be regarded as a chance for revenge for Nadal.

Nadal said: "Every tournament is important. Every time that I go to any event, my goal is to play my best and go for everything. But it is true that this event is tough. There are a lot of great players. I have a very tough first round against Lucas."

As the champion of the men's double last year, Nadal will not defend his doubles title this year.

He explained: "It is obvious that last year I got injured during the season, and I was in a different situation. This year I have been playing a lot of matches, I need to save a little bit of my physical performance. It is important to stay health until the end of the year."

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