Novak Djokovic continued his perfect run at the Beijing tournament, with the six-time champion securing his 30th victory at the event, where he has never lost a match.
It was far from an easy or comfortable performance, but Djokovic found enough strength to finish the job in straight sets. Had the match gone to a deciding set, it could have been difficult for the Serbian star to maintain his level.
Djokovic faced Portugal’s Nuno Borges in the opening round in China, with Borges producing his best tennis in the second set, when Djokovic began experiencing physical problems.
Djokovic won the opening set 6–3, but early in the second he began showing signs of fatigue and appeared to be dealing with the same issue he experienced at the US Open. Djokovic experienced nausea and a lack of energy, eventually requesting a medical timeout and treatment.
The Serbian managed to overcome the difficult period and took the second set to a tiebreak. He then produced his best shots at the crucial moment to close out the match before the two-hour mark.
Despite the physical difficulties, Djokovic advanced to the second round in Beijing. Just as importantly, he maintained his remarkable unbeaten record on the Beijing court.
