Novak Djokovic made his long‑awaited return to the Beijing courts this week, marking his first appearance in China in eleven years. The Serbian legend continued to build his astonishing streak at the tournament, notching his 30th straight win at the China Open on Wednesday.
A seasoned six‑time champion in the Chinese capital, Djokovic faced Portugal's Nuno Borges in the opening round. After a brief medical timeout in the second set, he rallied to claim a 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) victory, securing his place in the second round.
The next challenge for Djokovic will be against the local favorite Buyunchaokete Bu, who earned his spot by defeating Juan Manuel Cerún dolo 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic admitted that the second set tested his physical limits: "In the second set he started playing better and I struggled a little bit physically to stay fresh," he explained, noting that his recent form had been hampered by early exits at the US Open and the Cincinnati Masters.
Despite those setbacks, he remained confident in his service game, saying, "When I was serving, I was dominating and going through my games quite comfortably. Getting those first serves in at a high percentage 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 force on the tour. While trailing 3-2 in the second set, he received treatment from his physio but appeared unfazed, quickly regaining composure and delivering two consecutive love serves. Throughout the match, there was only a single service break – Djokovic's own break of Borges' first serve – underscoring the dominance of his serving.
In the decisive tie‑break, Djokovic surged ahead, creating four match points, though only one was needed when Borges slipped and hit the net. Commentator Annabel Croft described the contest as highly competitive, noting that Djokovic's service games grew increasingly efficient as the match progressed. She highlighted the physical demands of the encounter, adding, "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, other notable performances unfolded in Beijing. British No.1 Katie Boulter opened her campaign with a solid 6-3, 6-4 win over Japanese qualifier Mai Hontama.
Boulter's next opponent will be seventh seed and Wimbledon runner‑up Karolina Muchova, setting up a third career meeting between the two and a rematch of their recent US Open clash, where Muchova prevailed in straight sets. On the men's side, former US Open semifinalist Karen Khachanov continued his impressive run, dispatching Felix Auger‑Aliassime 6-3, 6-3, further cementing his strong form heading into the later stages of the tournament. The China Open, part of the ATP 1000 series, offers fans a chance to watch top‑level tennis in a vibrant setting. For those unable to attend in person, live streaming options are available through NOW and the Sky Sports app, providing coverage of both the ATP and WTA events, as well as the concurrent Shanghai Masters.
Djokovic's victory in Beijing not only adds another chapter to his storied career but also signals a potential resurgence after a challenging start to the season. His ability to adapt mid‑match, manage physical discomfort, and still execute high‑percentage serving showcases the resilience that has defined his tenure at the pinnacle of the sport. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether the Serbian star can translate this momentum into deeper runs, possibly culminating in another title at the prestigious event.
The atmosphere in Beijing has been electric, with local fans rallying behind home players like Bu while international supporters cheer on their favorites. The blend of seasoned champions and rising talents creates a dynamic narrative, making the China Open a compelling stop on the ATP calendar. As the competition intensifies, players will need to balance physical endurance with tactical precision, especially on the fast hard courts that favor aggressive baseline play and powerful serves. In summary, Novak Djokovic's return to Beijing was marked by a hard‑fought yet decisive win over Nuno Borges, extending his remarkable 30‑match streak at the China Open.
Despite a brief medical interruption, he showcased his trademark serving prowess and mental toughness, setting the stage for a promising run in the tournament. Meanwhile, other top contenders like Katie Boulter, Karolina Muchova, and Karen Khachanov have also delivered impressive performances, ensuring that the event remains a highlight of the Asian swing of the tennis season.