Today·Emerging
Follow-up 3h ago Major3
100%
Djokovic Returns to China Open with Victory; Auger-Aliassime Upset by Khachanov
Novak Djokovic returned to the China Open after 11 years, defeating Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6 (2) to extend his undefeated Beijing record to 30-0, though he required medical attention during the match. Second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime was upset by Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-3 in the same round.
Quick Facts
- Djokovic defeated Borges in first round
- Auger-Aliassime defeated by Khachanov in first round
- Djokovic received courtside medical attention
- Yunchaokete Bu defeated Cerundolo
- Zhang Zhizhen lost to Arthur Gea
Novak Djokovic made a strong return to the China Open after an 11-year absence, defeating Portugal's Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6 (2) in the first round on Wednesday. The 39-year-old Serbian sixth seed, playing his first match since losing to Mariano Navone at the US Open on August 31, extended his undefeated Beijing record to 30-0. Djokovic received courtside medical attention at 3-2 down in the second set for an undisclosed issue but recovered to dominate the tie-break 7-2. "I was serving well. In the tie-break, I played great," Djokovic said, adding that he was moved by the full stadium despite it being his first-round match.
In a separate upset, second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada was defeated by Russia's Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-3 on the same day. This marked Khachanov's second consecutive victory over the Canadian, who also lost to him in the second round of the US Open this month. Khachanov broke Auger-Aliassime's serve twice in the opening set and again in the closing game of the second set with four consecutive points.
Djokovic will next face China's Yunchaokete Bu, who advanced by defeating Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. The Serbian has won the China Open six times—in 2009, 2010, and from 2012 to 2015, making him the tournament's most successful men's singles player. On the women's side, Chinese players had mixed results: Yuan Yue defeated Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-2, 6-3, while Bai Zhuoxuan fell to Czech player Linda Fruhvirtova 6-2, 6-3. Top seed Alexander Zverev of Germany faces Britain's Cameron Norrie on Thursday, while Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen will play Shi Han in an all-Chinese women's match.
Topics
Why This Matters
Djokovic's return to Beijing after 11 years signals his continued pursuit of Grand Slam and Masters 1000 titles at age 39, with his 30-0 record in the city affecting seeding and tournament expectations. Auger-Aliassime's loss to Khachanov—his second consecutive defeat to the Russian this month—impacts rankings and ATP Finals qualification. The tournament draws elite players at a critical moment in the autumn hard-court season, influencing year-end rankings before the season finale.
Timeline & Sources
Jul 7, 2026
WireDjokovic wins Wimbledon quarterfinal
Aug 31, 2026
WireDjokovic loses to Mariano Navone in US Open first round
Sep 30, 2026
WireYunchaokete Bu defeats Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2, 5-7, 6-4
Oct 1, 2026
WireScheduled: Alexander Zverev vs. Cameron Norrie; Zheng Qinwen vs. Shi Han (women)
Related Signals
- SportsRelated Topic
Khachanov defeats second-seeded Auger-Aliassime at China Open
Follow-up 8h ago
- SportsRelated Topic
Djokovic Returns to China Open After 11 Years, Targets 102nd Title
Follow-up 9h ago
- SportsRelated Topic
Janice Tjen advances to China Open second round, faces world No. 14 Shnaider
Follow-up 7h ago
- SportsRelated Topic
Janice Tjen faces Anhelina Kalinina in China Open 2026 first round
Follow-up 12h ago