Novak Djokovic made a notable return to competitive tennis in Beijing, marking his first appearance at the China Open in eleven years and extending his remarkable streak to thirty consecutive wins at the event. The Serbian star, a six-time champion in the Chinese capital, faced Portugal's Nuno Borges in the opening round. Despite taking a medical timeout during the second set, Djokovic 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.
The upcoming opponent for Djokovic will be the local favorite Buyunchaokete Bu, who earned his spot by defeating Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic explained, "In the second set I started to find a better rhythm, but physically I was feeling a bit taxed and had to work harder to stay fresh." He added that his service games were a key factor, noting, "When I was serving I felt in control and was able to dictate the points. Getting a high percentage of first serves makes the service games much easier, and I was able to close out the tie‑break confidently, which makes me very pleased." At 39 years old, Djokovic was treated on court by the team's physiotherapist when he fell behind 3-2 in the second set.
The treatment did not seem to impede his performance; he subsequently held his next two service games without losing a point and displayed some of the finest tennis of the match. Throughout the contest there was only a single service break, which came from Djokovic in Borges' opening service game. In the decisive tie‑break, Djokovic surged ahead, creating four match points, though only one was needed as Borges' attempt to stay in the rally ended with a net error. Commentator Annabel Croft described the match as highly competitive, saying, "Djokovic found a way to the finish line, and his service games became increasingly efficient as the match progressed.
Much of the discussion centered on the physical demands of the match and how uncomfortable Djokovic felt at times, but he managed to adapt and prevail." The match also highlighted Djokovic's resilience after recent early exits at both the US Open and the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, underscoring his ability to rebound quickly. In addition to the men's singles action, the women's draw saw Britain's top player Katie Boulter open 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 finalist Karolina Muchova. This will be the third career meeting between the two, and the second this season after Muchova defeated Boulter in straight sets during the second round of the US Open. On the men's side, former US Open semi‑finalist Karen Khachanov continued his strong form by dispatching Felix Auger‑Aliassime 6-3, 6-3, further cementing his status as a contender in the tournament. The China Open also serves as a lead‑up to the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters, offering players valuable match practice on hard courts ahead of the season‑ending events.
For fans wishing to follow the action, live streams are available without a contract on NOW and the Sky Sports app, providing coverage of both the WTA and ATP draws, as well as the Shanghai Masters. The tournament continues to attract a blend of seasoned veterans and rising talents, making it a key fixture on the Asian swing of the tennis calendar.
With Djokovic's impressive comeback and the emerging storylines across both draws, the China Open promises more thrilling matches as it moves deeper into the week. Overall, Djokovic's win not only adds another chapter to his storied legacy at the China Open but also signals his determination to compete at the highest level despite recent setbacks. His ability to adjust his game, manage physical discomfort, and execute under pressure bodes well for his prospects in the upcoming ATP events and the broader race to maintain his position among the sport's elite.