Djokovic makes it 30-0 in Beijing, beating Borges despite treatment

Serb Novak Djokovic, the No. 6 seed, extended his perfect record at the China Open to 30-0 on Wednesday afternoon. He beat Portuguese Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6 (2) to reach the last 16, despite needing treatment during the second set.

The six-time Beijing champion was back at the tournament for the first time in 11 years and has never lost a match there. Only two players own longer winning streaks at a single event: Monica Seles at the Australian Open (33-0) and Rafael Nadal at Roland-Garros (31-0).

It was also Djokovic’s first win since Wimbledon. The world No. 12 had not played since losing to Argentine Mariano Navone at the US Open. He is now 9-0 against Portuguese players.

Djokovic broke early to lead 2-0 in the first set, saved two break points at 4-2 and closed it out 6-3. Play was halted for a few minutes in the second set, when Djokovic appeared physically uncomfortable and called for the physio, who worked on his abdomen. He then took the set in a tiebreak, 7-2.

In the second round, Djokovic will face Chinese wild card Yunchaokete Bu, ranked No. 104. Bu beat Argentine Francisco Cerundolo, ranked No. 53, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 earlier on Wednesday.