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.
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.
