Djokovic returns to Beijing with victory

Novak Djokovic made a winning return to the China Open, beating Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6(2) in the first round in Beijing.

The Serbian, seeded sixth, was playing at the tournament for the first time since 2015. He immediately extended his perfect record at the China Open to 30 wins from 30 matches.

Djokovic controlled the opening set, breaking Borges early and taking it 6-3. The Portuguese improved in the second set and made the match more competitive, but Djokovic remained composed in the decisive moments.

The 39-year-old needed treatment during the second set but managed to finish the match without dropping a set. He dominated the tiebreak 7-2 to seal his first victory since Wimbledon.

Djokovic has won the China Open six times and is now aiming for a seventh title in Beijing. His last appearance at the tournament came in 2015, when he defeated Rafael Nadal in the final.

The Serbian will face China's Bu Yunchaokete in the next round after the local player defeated Juan Manuel Cerundolo.