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Stunning player party evokes Beijing 2008
The first thing that struck you was the grandiose setting.
The red carpet rolled out beside the mirrored surface of a stunning decorative pool. The spotlights and glitter of flashbulbs as the stars of tennis walked the length of it. The glow of Beijing’s Olympic monuments soaring above.
This was the scene that greeted the eye at the China Open’s player party, staged at the Bird’s Nest Cultural Centre in Beijing’s Olympic Green precinct.
Returning to the Bird's Nest - the main stadium of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - brought back plenty of fond memories for the partygoing players.
“All the parties have been great here but obviously having the party here in the stadium is a very very special thing,” said Rafael Nadal, the No.3 seed at this year’s tournament and the Beijing Olympics men's singles gold medallist.
“I cannot forget that ceremony of 2008, so very happy to be back here.”
Nadal was just one of several ATP stars who graced the red carpet before heading inside the Cultural Centre to continue the celebrations. (...)
Source: China Open
Photo: Getty Images; China Open | 
