BEIJING — Novak Djokovic made a successful return to the China Open after an 11-year absence on Wednesday, defeating Portugal’s Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6 (2), while second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime suffered a shock first-round exit at the hands of Russia’s Karen Khachanov.
Djokovic Extends Perfect Beijing Streak
Playing in the Chinese capital for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2015, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic maintained his remarkable undefeated record at the tournament. The 39-year-old Serbian superstar overcame a second-set physical battle and a determined challenge from Portugal's Nuno Borges to capture a 6-3, 7-6 (2) victory on Diamond Court. The win extended Djokovic’s astonishing career win-loss record at the China Open to 30-0, preserving his streak of six titles in six previous appearances.
Djokovic took control early in the opening set, relying on a sharp first serve and clinical baseline depth to break Borges in the sixth game. While the top-seeded Serbian looked in complete command during the opening frames, Borges pushed back hard in the second set as Djokovic experienced brief moments of physical discomfort in the Beijing heat.
Borges forced a second-set tie-break, but the veteran pulled away when it mattered most, raising his intensity to claim seven of the nine points in the tie-break.
Speaking to the packed crowd after his opening-round victory, Djokovic reflected on his return to China:
"It was a great feeling for most of the first set, though I had to struggle physically a bit out there in the second set. I honestly didn't expect the stadium to be completely full for my first match, so I am incredibly grateful for the affection and support from the Chinese fans who always make me feel at home."
The Serbian legend will now advance to face home favorite Buyunchaokete in the second round, after the Chinese star defeated Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 earlier in the day.
Second Seed Auger-Aliassime Stunned in Opener
While Djokovic celebrated a successful comeback, the top half of the men's draw witnessed an immediate earthquake as world No. 5 and tournament second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime was dumped out in straight sets. Russia’s Karen Khachanov delivered a disciplined, powerful performance to sweep past the Canadian 6-3, 6-3 in the opening match on Diamond Court.
Khachanov, currently ranked world No. 26, capitalized heavily on an erratic performance from Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian racked up 11 unforced errors in the opening set alone, granting Khachanov the crucial service break needed to wrap up the set in just 31 minutes.
The second set followed a similar trajectory. Khachanov snatched an early break in the third game and maintained firm control on his own delivery, winning 80% of his first-serve points throughout the match. He wrapped up the contest on his first match point by breaking Auger-Aliassime once more to secure his second consecutive victory over the Canadian in a month, following their second-round battle at the US Open.
Khachanov Eyes Momentum in Beijing
The victory marks another statement win for Khachanov as he seeks to re-establish his position in the upper echelons of the ATP rankings. Following his victory, the Russian noted the challenges of transitioning to the Asian hard-court swing:
"When you approach a match like this, you are thinking it's a completely new scenario—a different court, different climate, and different balls in Beijing. You just have to reset from zero and focus on keeping your momentum going. I played solid tennis when it mattered most and capitalized on my opportunities."
Khachanov will progress to face either France’s Arthur Rinderknech or Slovakian qualifier Alex Molcan in the round of 16.
With Auger-Aliassime eliminated early and defending champion Jannik Sinner delaying his Asian tour start, Djokovic's path toward a seventh China Open crown appears increasingly open as action continues in Beijing.