Djokovic Extends Beijing Streak
Novak Djokovic secured his first victory since reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals in July, defeating Nuno Borges 6-3 7-6 (7-2) at the China Open. The 39-year-old former world number one, playing in Beijing for the first time since 2015, recorded his 30th consecutive win at the tournament. Despite struggling in the second set, Djokovic managed to close out the match in one hour and 50 minutes.[S1]
The Serb, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is aiming to win the China Open for a record-extending seventh time. He has been dealing with an underlying health condition that causes particular issues in hot, humid conditions, which he revealed in August has affected him for the past couple of years. During the match, he used his racquet to stretch his back between games and required a medical timeout for treatment to his right shoulder.[S1]
Djokovic will next face Chinese wildcard Bu Yunchaokete in the second round. In the women's draw, Great Britain's Katie Boulter advanced to the second round with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Mai Hontama of Japan. Boulter, 30, will now play Czech seventh seed Karolina Muchova in the next round.[S1]
