Novak Djokovic secured his first victory since Wimbledon by defeating Nuno Borges in straight sets during the first round of the China Open. The match ended with scores of 6-3, 7-6, allowing Djokovic to advance to the second round, where he will face wildcard player Bu Yunchaokete.
Read More
This win comes after Djokovic faced a tough period, having lost his previous two matches against Mariano Navone at the US Open and Thiago Agustin Tirante at the Cincinnati Open. Despite ongoing health concerns, Djokovic managed to perform well, particularly with his serve, which he identified as a strong point in his game against Borges. He noted that while he struggled physically in the second set, his serving was effective enough to dominate his service games.
Djokovic's first match at the China Open in 11 years drew an enthusiastic crowd, leaving him pleasantly surprised by the turnout of approximately 15,000 spectators. Expressing gratitude, he attributed the strong crowd support to the appreciation for the sport and his achievements throughout his career. He remarked on the warmth he feels playing in China and stated that the fans' enthusiasm provided him with added motivation.
Looking ahead, Djokovic may potentially face Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals if he progresses past his next opponent.