Novak Djokovic returned to winning ways at the China Open on Wednesday, defeating Portugal’s Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6(2) to reach the second round of the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing.
The victory was Djokovic’s first since Wimbledon and extended his perfect record at the China Open to 30 wins from 30 matches. The Serbian, who has won the tournament six times, returned to Beijing for the first time since 2015.
Djokovic started the match strongly, breaking Borges early in the opening set and taking control of the contest. The 39-year-old maintained his advantage and closed out the first set 6-3.
Borges responded with a stronger display in the second set. The Portuguese player put Djokovic under greater pressure from the baseline and forced several long rallies. Djokovic, however, remained composed and prevented Borges from taking control.
The second set went to a tie-break, where Djokovic raised his level. He quickly built a 5-1 advantage before closing out the tie-break 7-2 and securing the match in straight sets.
The match lasted one hour and 50 minutes. Djokovic also produced a strong serving performance, winning a high percentage of points behind his first serve and saving both break points he faced.
The Serbian received treatment during the second set after requiring a medical timeout. Despite the interruption, he was able to continue and finish the match.
The win is significant for Djokovic as he looks to build momentum after a difficult period on the tour. He had not played competitively since his first-round defeat at the US Open in August, following his run at Wimbledon earlier in the summer.
Djokovic will now face Chinese wild card Bu Yunchaokete in the second round. Bu defeated Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 to earn his place in the next round.
The China Open has historically been a successful tournament for Djokovic. Before this year’s return, he had won all 29 of his previous matches at the event. His latest victory took that record to 30-0.
Djokovic is also chasing a seventh China Open title, which would extend his record as the tournament’s most successful men’s singles champion.
The Serbian remains one of the biggest attractions at the Beijing tournament, with fans turning out to watch his return after an 11-year absence.
The China Open runs from September 30 to October 6, with Djokovic continuing his campaign against Bu Yunchaokete in the second round.
