Djokovic beats Borges to stay perfect at China Open

BEIJING: Novak Djokovic marked his return to the China Open after 11 years with a 6-3 7-6(2) win over Nuno Borges on Wednesday, 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, ” said 39-year-old Djokovic, who is looking for a record-extending seventh title at the tournament, and his first of the season. World number six 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-times Grand Slam winner Djokovic frustrated the Portuguese with precise returns. Novak Djokovic says body feeling good ahead of China Open comeback Djokovic 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.

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