Djokovic beats Borges to stay perfect in Beijing
Novak Djokovic marked his return to the China Open after 11 years with a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) win over Nuno Borges on Thursday (AEST), extending his perfect record at the tournament to 30 wins without a loss.
Djokovic controlled the Round of 32 contest with a strong first serve as Borges put up a good fight in the second set, but ultimately buckled under pressure.
"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," Djokovic, who is looking for a record-extending seventh title at the tournament and his first of the season, said after the match.
World No.11 Djokovic cruised through the first set, getting a break in the second game as Borges struggled with errors.
Borges looked better in the second as he drew the Serbian into tiring long rallies, but 24-time grand slam winner Djokovic frustrated the Portuguese with precise returns.
Djokovic, now aged 39, put the pressure on Borges in the tiebreak, winning a rally with a straight backhand down the sideline.
As the Serbian stormed into a 5-1 lead, a nervous Borges hit a loose backhand down the sideline to bring up match point, and netted a return to hand Djokovic the win.
Djokovic will next face local favourite Yunchaokete Bu, who saw off Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2 5-7 6-4.
