Li Na, Novak Djokovic Face Off at China Open Anniversary

It coulda been a classic. The world men's number one player versus the hometown favorite, who also happens to be one of the top women's players. Instead, the "Battle of the Sexes" between Novak Djokovic and Li Na was more a pas de deux than a war.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the China Open, the evening started with Djokovic and Li receiving a two-meter tall birthday cake on behalf of the tournament. The two then took turns volleying with teenagers from the China Open's Under 16 event, followed by a contest where, joined by Chinese singers of marginal note, each player had to hit as many of five large China Open signs that had been placed on the court in 30 seconds as possible.

It wasn't until 8:50pm that either hit a ball to the other. Djokovic was jovial throughout, engaging the crowd in the comic style that has entertained tennis fans worldwide. Li clearly enjoyed being at the center of attention. In a one-set match, Li asked Djokovic to spot her two points per game, winning with an ace in a five-point tie-break where she started with a four-point lead.

With the men's and women's competitions beginning in earnest Saturday, it was clear that neither planned on exerting themselves. Djokovic is the China Open's defending champion, while Li will have to make her way via 2012 winner Victoria Azarenka, former Wimbledon winner Maria Sharapova, and Serena Williams, who defeated Li at this year's US Open and went on to win that tournament.

The China Open takes place at the National Tennis Center on the North Fifth Ring Road (north of the Olympic Green), and tickets are available for most matches at the box office on site, or via the website (Chinese only).

Images: Steven Schwankert/The Beijinger