Djokovic Advances at China Open After Tough First-Round Match
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
BEIJING: Novak Djokovic began his China Open campaign with a hard-fought victory over Portugal’s Nuno Borges, winning 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) in the opening round.
The Serbian star produced a strong performance in the first set before facing a much tougher challenge in the second. Djokovic eventually secured the set in a tie-break to complete the victory in one hour and 50 minutes.
The 39-year-old, who has won the China Open six times, returned to the Beijing tournament for the first time since 2015. The victory also extended his unbeaten record at the event to 30 matches.
Djokovic showed signs of physical discomfort during the match. He appeared to stretch his back between games and later received medical attention for his right shoulder.
Despite the difficulties, the former world number one remained composed in the crucial moments. Borges, ranked 49th in the world, sent his final return into the net to hand Djokovic the win.
Djokovic will now face Chinese wildcard Bu Yunchaokete in the second round.
Elsewhere, Russia’s Karen Khachanov defeated second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3 in another first-round match.
Khachanov, ranked 26th in the world, wrapped up his victory in one hour and 11 minutes. He will next meet either France’s Arthur Rinderknech or Slovakia’s Alex Molcan in the round of 16.
