Novak Djokovic made his much‑anticipated return to Beijing this year, stepping onto the courts for the first time in eleven years since his previous appearance at the China Open. The Serbian star continued to build his remarkable streak, notching his 30th straight win at this event on Wednesday. Djokovic, who has claimed the China Open title six times, faced Portugal’s Nuno Borges in the opening round.
After a brief medical timeout in the second set, he managed to pull ahead and clinch the match with a 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2) victory, securing his place in the second round of the tournament. Looking ahead, Djokovic’s next opponent will be the local favorite Buyunchaokete Bu, who earned his spot by defeating Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6‑2, 5‑7, 6‑4. The upcoming clash promises to be a test of Djokovic’s adaptability on a surface that has historically suited his aggressive baseline play.
Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic admitted that the second set presented a physical challenge. “In the second set he started playing better and I struggled a little bit physically to stay fresh,” he said, noting that he entered Beijing after disappointing early exits at both the US Open and the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati.
He added, “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’s resilience was on full display.
He received treatment from the on‑court physio when he fell behind 3‑2 in the second set, but the intervention did not seem to impede his momentum. He quickly recovered, delivering two consecutive love serves and showcasing some of the finest tennis of the match.
Throughout the encounter, there was only a single service break – Djokovic’s break of Borges’ first serve – underscoring the tight nature of the contest. The tie‑break proved decisive. Djokovic surged ahead, creating four match points, though he needed only one as Borges inadvertently hit the net. Commentator Annabel Croft described the match for Sky Sports Tennis, saying, “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 men’s singles, the tournament featured notable performances from other players. British No.1 Katie Boulter opened her Beijing campaign with a solid 6‑3, 6‑4 win over Japanese qualifier Mai Hontama.
Boulter’s next challenge will be a showdown against seventh seed and Wimbledon runner‑up Karolina Muchova, marking their third career meeting and a rematch of their US Open second‑round encounter, where Muchova had prevailed in straight sets. On the men’s side, former US Open semi‑finalist Karen Khachanov continued his impressive form, dispatching Felix Auger‑Aliassime 6‑3, 6‑3, reinforcing his status as a strong contender in the draw. The tournament also offers fans the opportunity to stream matches without a contract via NOW and the Sky Sports App, providing live coverage of both the WTA/ATP China Open and the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters. The China Open, held in the bustling capital, has long been a highlight of the Asian swing of the professional tennis calendar.
It attracts top talent from around the world, offering a mix of high‑stakes competition and cultural experience. For Djokovic, the event serves as a crucial stepping stone as he seeks to regain momentum after a challenging start to the season.
His ability to adapt, maintain a high first‑serve percentage, and execute under pressure in tie‑breaks highlights why he remains a dominant force despite the inevitable physical wear that comes with age. Looking forward, Djokovic’s upcoming match against Bu will test his capacity to sustain his aggressive baseline strategy against a home crowd favorite. Bu, having secured his own victory against Cerundolo, will be eager to capitalize on familiar conditions and local support. The dynamic between Djokovic’s seasoned precision and Bu’s youthful energy could produce a compelling narrative for tennis enthusiasts.
In summary, Djokovic’s 30th consecutive win at the China Open not only extends his personal record but also signals his determination to rebound from recent setbacks. His performance, marked by strategic serving, resilience after a medical timeout, and a composed tie‑break finish, underscores his enduring competitiveness on the ATP tour.
As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate further high‑quality matches, with the added convenience of streaming options that bring the excitement of Beijing’s courts directly to viewers worldwide.