BEIJING, Sept 30 (Reuters) – Novak Djokovic returned to the China Open after 11 years with a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory over Nuno Borges on Wednesday, marking his 30th win at the tournament without a loss. Djokovic demonstrated control throughout the round-of-32 match, especially with his strong first serve, while Borges pushed hard in the second set but ultimately succumbed to pressure.
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Djokovic, 39, expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting the challenge Borges presented in the second set. "In the second set when he started to play better, I struggled a little bit to stay fresh… played out a great tiebreak to close it out in two, so very happy for that," he said. He aims for a record-extending seventh title at the event and his first title of the season.
The world number six dominated the first set, breaking Borges in the second game as the Portuguese player struggled with errors. Borges showed improvement in the second, engaging Djokovic in longer rallies, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion countered with precise returns.
In the tiebreak, Djokovic seized control early, leading 5-1 after a rally won with a straight backhand down the sideline. A nervous Borges then hit a loose backhand, bringing up match point before netting a return to give Djokovic the win. Next, Djokovic will face local favorite Yunchaokete Bu, who defeated Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2, 5-7, 6-4.