Novak Djokovic maintained his perfect record at the China Open on Wednesday, defeating Portugal’s Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) to extend his unbeaten streak in Beijing to 30 matches. Returning to the tournament for the first time since 2015, the 39-year-old Serbian expressed his delight, stating, “It’s a great pleasure to be back in my happy place.” He noted that while he is a different player than he was 11 years ago, he was pleased to continue his long-standing success in the city. “Obviously I’m a completely different person and player than I was 11 years ago when I played here last but thankfully I kept the streak going and hopefully I can do it again,” he said. A firm favourite in China who has never lost in Beijing in 30 matches — although this was his first match at the event since 2015, fans packed the stands in Beijing to watch Djokovic.
The victory did not come easily, as the former world number one battled physical challenges throughout the one-hour and 50-minute encounter. Djokovic, who has suffered from recent health issues, required a medical timeout to receive treatment on his right shoulder and was seen stretching his back with his racquet between games. Despite the discomfort, he secured his first win since Wimbledon in July, sealing the match when Borges, the world number 49, hit a return into the net. He delighted the crowd with an ace to end the first game and saved two break points after a pair of double-faults to win the first set. There is not much secret about it.”.
Looking ahead, the six-time Beijing champion is scheduled to face wildcard entrant Bu Yunchaokete in the second round. His performance drew a large crowd in Beijing, where he remains a significant fan favorite.
In other men’s singles action, Karen Khachanov delivered a dominant performance against second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, winning 6-3, 6-3. The world number 26 completed the first set in just 31 minutes and wrapped up the victory in one hour and 11 minutes. The Russian, who recently triumphed at the US Open, will next face either Arthur Rinderknech or Alex Molcan in the round of 16.
Regarding his repeat win over the Canadian world number five, Khachanov dismissed the idea that he had a specific tactical advantage, noting that each tournament presents unique variables. “It was a tough match,” Khachanov said. “When you approach this match you are thinking it’s a completely new match, completely different. In China, in Beijing. Different court, different balls. You just focus again from zero.” You know that what you did well… and you just try to keep the momentum going.
Meanwhile, tournament top seed Alexander Zverev is preparing for his opening match against Cameron Norrie, scheduled for Thursday. The 29-year-old German stated that while he is aware of the race for the world number one ranking, his primary objective remains focused on his own preparation and high-quality play. “Everything else will fall into place,” Zverev told reporters.
Beyond the men’s draw, a 1000-level WTA event is also currently being contested in Beijing.
