Novak Djokovic Opens Beijing Return With Win
Novak Djokovic defeated Nuno Borges at the China Open to begin his return after Wimbledon with a win.
Djokovic gets through Borges
Novak Djokovic defeated Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6 in his opening China Open match. He won in straight sets. The victory ended a wait that began after Djokovic reached the Wimbledon semifinals in July, and it restored a winning start to his return in Beijing.
Djokovic is No. 5. Borges, ranked No. 41, made the match uncomfortable in the second set after Djokovic had controlled the opener, and both players have recently posted more wins than losses. That made the finish a useful test for Djokovic after his break from competition.
A difficult second set
The second set brought Djokovic's physical issues into view. He used his racquet to stretch his back between games, then took treatment for his right shoulder. He stayed in the contest. Djokovic had previously said an underlying health condition has caused problems in warm and humid weather over recent years.
The win made it 30 consecutive victories for Djokovic in Beijing. That sequence survived a match in which he was clearly short of his best level, particularly after Borges raised the pressure in the later stages. His ability to close out the result kept a difficult return from becoming an early exit.
Beijing remains familiar ground
Djokovic had not played the China Open since 2015. This appearance is his first at the event in eleven years, and he is chasing a record-extending seventh title in Beijing. The setting has suited him before. His unbeaten run there now carries into another round.
At 39, Djokovic remains one of the leading figures in the draw. He owns 24 Grand Slam titles, but this match was more about managing a first outing after Wimbledon than producing a polished performance from start to finish. Borges pushed hard enough to expose the work still ahead.
Bu awaits in the next round
Bu Yunchaokete will face Djokovic in the second round after entering the draw as a Chinese wildcard. Bu is ranked No. 111. The home player has also recorded more wins than losses in his recent completed matches, giving the contest added local interest.
Katie Boulter also advanced in the women's draw. She beat Mai Hontama in straight sets and will meet Karolina Muchova next. Boulter's progression gives her a higher-ranked opponent in the next round, while Djokovic's return continues with a fresh challenge against Bu.
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