Novak Djokovic, the No. 6 seed, improved his perfect record at the China Open to 30-0 on Wednesday, defeating Portugal's Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6 (2) to advance to the last 16. Although he required treatment during the second set, Djokovic maintained control throughout the match.
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This marks Djokovic’s return to the tournament after 11 years, where he has never lost a match. Only Monica Seles at the Australian Open (33-0) and Rafael Nadal at Roland-Garros (31-0) have longer winning streaks at a single event.
Wednesday's victory was also Djokovic's first since Wimbledon, as he had not competed since his loss to Argentine Mariano Navone at the US Open. He remains undefeated against Portuguese players, boasting a 9-0 record.
In the first set, Djokovic broke Borges early to lead 2-0, saved two break points at 4-2, and secured the set 6-3. The match experienced a brief interruption in the second set when Djokovic called for the physio due to apparent discomfort in his abdomen. He ultimately clinched the set in a tiebreak, winning 7-2.
Next, Djokovic is set to face Chinese wild card Yunchaokete Bu, who is ranked No. 104, after Bu's victory over Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, ranked No. 53, with a score of 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 earlier on Wednesday.