Novak Djokovic extended his unbeaten streak at the China Open by defeating Nuno Borges, marking his first victory since reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals in July. The 39-year-old former world number one won the match 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), achieving his 30th consecutive victory in Beijing, though this was his first appearance at the tournament since 2015.
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Djokovic has been dealing with an underlying health condition that affects him in hot, humid conditions, a challenge he disclosed in August. He faced difficulties during the second set and utilized his racquet to stretch his back between games. Additionally, he required a medical timeout for treatment on his right shoulder.
Despite these challenges, Djokovic managed to secure the win in one hour and 50 minutes, setting up a second-round match against wildcard Bu Yunchaokete from China. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is aiming for a record-extending seventh title at the China Open after an 11-year absence from the tournament.
In the women's draw, Great Britain's Katie Boulter advanced to the second round with a straight-set victory over Japan's Mai Hontama, winning 6-3, 6-4. Boulter will face the Czech seventh seed Karolina Muchova in her next match.