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DJOKOVIC OPENS CHINA RETURN WITH WIN OVER BORGES
Novak Djokovic began his return to the China Open with a straight-sets victory over Portugal's Nuno Borges on Wednesday, securing his first win since ...
By Wavers Multimedia
The Serbian sixth seed defeated Borges 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) in Beijing, extending his perfect record at the tournament to 30 victories without a defeat.
DJOKOVIC MAKES WINNING RETURN
The victory marked Djokovic's first appearance at the China Open since 2015 and his first match at the tournament in 11 years.
The 39-year-old, a six-time champion in Beijing, maintained his unbeaten record despite facing a tougher challenge in the second set.
Djokovic took control early, breaking Borges in the Portuguese player's opening service game before going on to claim the first set 6-3.
Borges responded with greater resistance in the second set, forcing Djokovic into a tie-break. The former world No. 1 then produced a strong finish, taking the tie-break 7-2 to close out the match.
PHYSICAL CHALLENGE IN SECOND SET
Djokovic required treatment during the second set after experiencing physical discomfort.
He received a medical timeout and was treated by a physiotherapist before continuing the match.
Despite the interruption, Djokovic managed to maintain his composure and eventually secured the victory in about one hour and 50 minutes.
The win also ended a run without a victory since his Wimbledon campaign in July.
NEXT TEST AWAITS
Djokovic will face Chinese wildcard Bu Yunchaokete in the next round.
Bu advanced after defeating Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.
Djokovic is seeking to extend his record at the China Open and claim what would be his seventh title at the Beijing tournament.
His return has attracted considerable attention after an 11-year absence, with his perfect record in Beijing remaining intact following his opening-round victory.