Novak Djokovic made his return to the professional circuit in Beijing, marking his first appearance at the China Open in eleven years, and extended his astonishing streak to thirty straight wins at the event on Wednesday. The Serbian star, who has lifted the China Open trophy six times in the past, faced Portugal's Nuno Borges in the opening round.
Despite taking a medical timeout early in the second set, Djokovic managed to pull ahead and close the match with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) victory, earning a place in the second round of the tournament. The next challenge for the world number one will be a showdown against home favorite Buyunchaokete Bu, who earned his spot by defeating Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. Bu's win set up a classic clash between the experienced champion and the local contender eager to make a statement on his home soil. "In the second set he started playing better and I struggled a little bit physically to stay fresh," Djokovic admitted after the match.
He arrived in Beijing after disappointing early exits at both the US Open and the ATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati, making his win all the more satisfying. "When I was serving, I was dominating and going through my games quite comfortably.
It was helping getting those first serves in, that high percentages makes my life easier in my service games and I played a great tie‑break to close it out in two, so I am very happy about that." At 39 years old, Djokovic demonstrated why he remains a benchmark of longevity in the sport. He received treatment from the team's physiotherapist when he fell behind 3-2 in the second set, but the brief interruption did not appear to affect his rhythm. He swiftly reclaimed control, holding his next two service games to love and delivering some of the finest tennis of the evening.
The match featured only a single service break – Djokovic broke Borges in his opponent's opening service game – underscoring the tightness of the contest. In the decisive tie‑break, Djokovic surged ahead, creating four match points in rapid succession. Borges managed to salvage one of them by forcing Djokovic into the net, but the Serbian legend clinched the set and the match with a single decisive point.
The intensity of the finish was highlighted by former professional Annabel Croft, who told Sky Sports Tennis: "That was a really competitive match by the end of it. Djokovic managed to find a way towards that finishing line and actually his service games became more and more efficient.
So much of what we talked about in commentary was the physicality of the match and how uncomfortable Djokovic felt." Beyond the headline match, the tournament offered several other notable storylines. British player Katie Boulter kicked off her Beijing campaign with a solid 6-3, 6-4 win over Japanese qualifier Mai Hontama, showcasing her aggressive baseline play and tactical acumen. Boulter's next opponent will be seventh seed and Wimbledon runner‑up Karolina Muchova, setting up their third career encounter and a rematch of the US Open second round, where Muchova had dispatched Boulter in straight sets.
On the men's side, Russian contender Karen Khachanov continued his impressive run by overwhelming Canadian star Felix Auger‑Aliassime 6-3, 6-3. Khachanov's powerful serve and relentless groundstrokes left Auger‑Aliassime scrambling, reinforcing Khachanov's status as one of the tournament's dark horses.
The China Open, part of the ATP 1000 series, runs alongside the nearby Shanghai Masters, offering fans a packed schedule of high‑level tennis. For viewers worldwide, live streaming options are available without a contractual commitment via NOW and the Sky Sports App, ensuring that the excitement of both the ATP and WTA draws can be followed in real time.
Djokovic's performance in Beijing serves as a reminder of his resilience and adaptability. After a season that began with early exits in two major events, he has demonstrated that his competitive fire remains undiminished.
His ability to adjust his game plan mid‑match, maintain a high first‑serve percentage, and execute under pressure in tie‑breaks illustrates why he continues to be a formidable opponent even as he approaches the twilight of his career. Looking ahead, the second round promises a compelling narrative as Djokovic confronts the crowd‑pleasing Buyunchaokete Bu.
The Chinese hopeful will be eager to capitalize on home support, while Djokovic will aim to preserve his flawless record at the venue. Whether the match turns into a tactical duel or a showcase of raw power, fans can expect a high‑quality contest that adds another chapter to Djokovic's storied legacy at the China Open. In addition to the on‑court action, the tournament highlights the growing popularity of tennis in Asia, with increasing attendance, sponsorship, and media coverage.
The presence of top‑ranked players like Djokovic, alongside emerging talents from the region, underscores the sport's global reach and the importance of the Asian swing in the professional calendar. Overall, Djokovic's victory not only marks his first win since Wimbledon but also reinforces his dominance at the China Open, a venue where he has consistently excelled. As the tournament progresses, the blend of seasoned champions and rising stars will continue to captivate audiences, delivering memorable moments and setting the stage for future rivalries across the ATP and WTA tours.