Novak Djokovic made his comeback to the Beijing courts eleven years after his previous appearance, extending his remarkable streak at the China Open to 30 straight wins on Wednesday. The Serbian star, who has captured the title in the Chinese capital six times, overcame a brief medical interruption in the second set but ultimately prevailed over Portugal's Nuno Borges with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) scoreline, advancing to the tournament's second round. The upcoming opponent for Djokovic is local favorite Buyunchaokete Bu, who earned his place by defeating Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.
Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic admitted that the second set saw a dip in his physical freshness: "In the second set he started playing better and I struggled a little bit physically to stay fresh," he said, noting that his recent form had been disrupted by early exits at both the US Open and the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. Despite the setback, Djokovic highlighted the strength of his service game, saying, "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, he received treatment from the on‑court physio when he fell behind 3-2 in the second set, yet the intervention did not appear to hinder his momentum. He subsequently held his next two service games without dropping a point, showcasing some of the finest tennis of the match.
The contest featured only a single service break, which Djokovic secured in Borges' opening service game. In the decisive tie‑break, Djokovic surged ahead, creating four match points, though he needed just one as Borges inadvertently hit the net.
Commentator Annabel Croft described the encounter as highly competitive, noting, "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 also delivered notable performances in the women's draw. British No. 1 Katie Boulter launched her Beijing campaign with a solid 6-3, 6-4 win over Japanese qualifier Mai Hontama.
Boulter's next challenge will be a clash with seventh seed and Wimbledon runner‑up Karolina Muchova, marking the third career meeting between the two and the second this season after Muchova's straight‑sets victory over Boulter in the second round of the US Open. On the ATP side, former US Open semifinalist Karen Khachanov continued his recent dominance over Felix Auger‑Aliassime, dispatching the Canadian with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 result. Khachanov's aggressive baseline play and precise serve kept Auger‑Aliassime on the defensive throughout the match, underscoring Khachanov's rising confidence as he aims to climb higher in the rankings. The China Open, part of the ATP 1000 series, offers players a valuable opportunity to gain points ahead of the Asian swing and the season‑ending championships.
For fans, the event is accessible via streaming platforms that require no contractual commitment, such as NOW and the Sky Sports App, where both the ATP and WTA competitions can be watched live. This accessibility ensures that tennis enthusiasts worldwide can follow the drama unfolding in Beijing, from veteran battles to emerging talents. Djokovic's victory not only adds another chapter to his storied legacy at the China Open but also serves as a confidence booster after a challenging start to the year.
His ability to rebound from a medical timeout, maintain a high first‑serve percentage, and dominate crucial points in the tie‑break demonstrates the resilience that has defined his career. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether he can translate this early success into deeper runs, potentially setting the stage for a resurgence as the season moves toward its climax.
Meanwhile, the women's draw promises further excitement, with Boulter's upcoming showdown against Muchova likely to produce high‑quality tennis given their recent history. Muchova, known for her powerful groundstrokes and tactical acumen, will look to assert her experience, while Boulter aims to capitalize on her momentum and upset the higher‑seeded Czech. Overall, the China Open continues to be a pivotal stop on the professional circuit, offering a blend of seasoned champions and hungry newcomers.
The tournament's atmosphere, enhanced by enthusiastic local support and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, provides an ideal backdrop for memorable matches. As the week unfolds, spectators can anticipate a mix of thrilling rallies, strategic battles, and the occasional surprise, all contributing to the vibrant tapestry of international tennis. For those seeking to follow every serve, return, and breakpoint, the recommended viewing options remain the NOW streaming service and Sky Sports' dedicated app, both of which deliver high‑definition coverage without long‑term commitments.
This flexibility ensures that fans can stay connected to the action, whether they are tracking Djokovic's quest for further titles or cheering on rising stars making their mark on the global stage.