Novak Djokovic made his long‑awaited return to the Beijing courts this week, stepping back onto the hard‑court surface for the first time in eleven years. The Serbian star, who boasts an astonishing record of 30 straight wins at the China Open, continued his dominance on Wednesday by overcoming Portugal’s Nuno Borges in straight sets, 6‑3, 7‑6 (7‑2), to advance to the tournament’s second round.
A veteran of six titles in the Chinese capital, Djokovic’s performance was marked by both resilience and tactical precision. Early in the second set he was forced to take a medical timeout after a brief physical hiccup, but the interruption proved merely a footnote in an otherwise controlled display. After the pause he gathered his composure, tightened his serve, and ultimately sealed the match with a confident tie‑break victory. Looking ahead, the Serbian will meet the crowd‑pleasing Chinese contender Buyunchaokete Bu, who earned his spot by defeating Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6‑2, 5‑7, 6‑4.
The upcoming clash promises a classic showdown between a seasoned champion and a hungry local favorite. Reflecting on his effort, Djokovic admitted that the second set presented a tougher physical challenge.
"In the second set I started to feel the strain and had to work a little harder to stay fresh," he told reporters. The comment came after a disappointing start to his season, which saw early exits at both the US Open and the Cincinnati Masters. "When I was serving, I felt in control and was able to hit a high percentage of first serves, which made my service games much easier. I also played a strong tie‑break to close it out in two, so I’m very pleased with the result." At 39 years old, Djokovic’s fitness was put to the test when the physio attended to him at 3‑2 down in the second set.
Despite the brief treatment, he did not appear hampered, delivering two consecutive service games that went to love and showcasing some of the best tennis of the encounter. The match featured only a single service break – Djokovic’s break of Borges’s first service game – underscoring the tightness of the contest. In the decisive tie‑break, Djokovic surged ahead, rapidly accumulating four match points.
He needed just one, however, as Borges’s attempt to return a serve resulted in a net error, handing the Serbian his second straight set win. Commentator Annabel Croft praised the competitive nature of the match, noting, "Djokovic managed to find a way to the finish line, and his service games became increasingly efficient. The physical aspect of the match was evident, and at times Djokovic seemed uncomfortable, but he adapted and prevailed." The Beijing tournament also featured notable performances from other players. Britain’s Katie Boulter opened her campaign with a solid 6‑3, 6‑4 triumph over Japanese qualifier Mai Hontama, setting up a second‑round clash with seventh‑seed Karolina Muchova.
This meeting will be the third meeting between Boulter and Muchova in their careers and the second this year, following Muchova’s straight‑sets victory over Boulter at the US Open. On the men’s side, Russian ATP star Karen Khachanov continued his impressive run, dispatching Felix Auger‑Aliassime 6‑3, 6‑3, further cementing his recent dominance over the Canadian. Khachanov’s powerful baseline play and aggressive serving left Auger‑Aliassime struggling to find rhythm, and the match concluded with Khachanov in clear control.
The China Open, part of the ATP 1000 series, runs concurrently with the Shanghai Masters, offering fans a packed schedule of high‑level tennis. For those unable to attend in person, live streaming options are available without a contract through NOW and the Sky Sports app, providing comprehensive coverage of both the ATP and WTA events. Overall, Djokovic’s victory not only marks his first win since Wimbledon but also reaffirms his enduring ability to compete at the highest level despite age and recent setbacks.
His blend of experience, strategic serving, and mental toughness continues to make him a formidable opponent on any surface. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how far the Serbian can go, especially with a motivated Chinese opponent awaiting him in the next round. The Beijing crowd, eager for high‑quality tennis, can look forward to more thrilling matches as the China Open unfolds.