Novak Djokovic has extended his unbeaten run at the China Open, securing his first victory since reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals in July. The 39-year-old former world number one overcame Nuno Borges with a 6-3 7-6 (7-2) win, marking his 30th consecutive triumph in Beijing.
Djokovic, who revealed in August he has been managing an underlying health condition, showed signs of discomfort during the match. He used his racquet to stretch his back and received treatment for his right shoulder during a medical timeout in the second set.
Despite these challenges, the 24-time Grand Slam champion battled through in one hour and 50 minutes. He will now face wildcard Bu Yunchaokete of China in the second round, as he bids for a record-extending seventh China Open title.
In the women's draw, Great Britain's Katie Boulter progressed to the second round. Boulter, 30, defeated Mai Hontama of Japan 6-3 6-4 and is set to play Czech seventh seed Karolina Muchova next.