Djokovic, who won the Beijing event in 2009 and 2010, will not meet the real trouble until the third round where his possible opponent will be sixth seed Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine. The Serb is leading 2-0 against Dolgopolov in previous encounters.

Last year's runner-up Marin Cilic from Croatia will be the most dangerous enemy for Djokovic in the first half where the two stars are expected to meet in the semifinals.

Favorites also include Spaniard David Ferrer and Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga from the second half. Ferrer, seeded second in the hardcourt event, shall take on Chinese Taipei's Lu Yen-Hsun. The world number five might set up a third round match against compatriot Fernando Verdasco, a former top ten player who is now ranked 23rd in the world.

While Tsonga has different fortunes in the main draw, with a tough first round meeting against Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin. "He's a good player who improves a lot in the last few months. The last time was a good fight and he is powerful, so I expect for a tough match," said Tsonga, who is 2-1 against his first round opponent.

On his road to the semifinals, the world number seven will also have to cope with the threat from Russian veteran Nikolay Davydenko and Germany's seventh seed Tommy Haas.

"I don't have pressure. I will try my best. When you give your best then you don't have to regret. I just play my best and that's it," said Tsonga, who came into Beijing having won two ATP titles this season.