Novak Djokovic returned to the court in Beijing for the first time in more than a decade and earned his 30th straight victory at the China Open to remain undefeated at the venue.

They sixth-seeded Serb who came through a crisis after going out in the US Open first round, reached the second round in the Chinese capital 6-3, 7-6 (2) as he defeated Nuno Borges in just under two hours.

The 39-year-old has never lost to a Portuguese opponent, standing a perfect 9-0.

Djokovic owns six titles at the event, which he first won in 2010. His last appearance here came in 2015, but that mattered little to a new generation of local fans.

Djokovic finished off a winning tiebreak to reach the second round but still appeared to be experiencing some breathing difficulties after long, draining points.

“My serving was really good for most of the match,” he said. “In the second he played better and I struggled a little bit to stay fresh.

“But the serve helped me to dominate quite comfortably. I was very happy to close the math out in two sets.”

Despite his long absence from the venue, Djokovic said he was somewhat surprised to play in front of a full house of 15,000 for his first match.

“The crowd appreciates what i’ve done in my career and they love the sport. I’ve note played here for 11 years but my record is flawless.

“I feel like at home in China with all of the support. I’ll do my best to go as far as I can and return the crowd’s love and passion.”

Top seed Alexander Zverev, hero for Europe in the weekend Laver Cup in London, may have one less obstacle in his way after tournament No. 2 Felix Auger-Aliassime was upset 6-3, 6-3, in his opening match by Karen Khachanov.

The German leads the ATP in 2026 match wins on 56, including titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

Main photo:-Novak Djokovic winning in Beijing – by ATPTour.com

The knee injury which has kept Jannik Sinner off court since winning Wimbledon may require surgery which could likely mean the world No. 1 would miss the Australian Open.  

Rome’s Corriere dello Sport broke the troubling news on Monday, noting that the right knee inflammation which has troubled the five-time Grand Slam champion over the past months might be more serious than first thought.

Sources told the daily that the problem was an acute case of extra-articular tendon inflammation, or iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS).

“There would be a risk, however, of having to resort to surgery if conservative therapies did not work” the newspaper reported, adding that rehab, physical rehab and injections have also not been completely ruled out.

 The newspaper reported added: “The iliotibial band is a strip of fibrous tissue that is thick, strong and not very elastic. 

“It originates in the pelvis, runs down the entire outer side of the thigh and attaches to the tibia, just below the knee. It acts like a steel cable, helping to stabilise the leg.

“The problem occurs just above the knee. There, the band passes over a bony prominence of the femur, the lateral epicondyle.

Every time the knee bends and straightens, the band slides over it until the tissue between the fascia and the bone becomes inflamed.

“That’s why we describe it as ‘extra-articular’: the problem is not inside the knee. It is outside, on the outer side.”

The injury situation is similar to that just suffered by former No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who missed nearly five months of competition due to a spring wrist injury which kept him out until the US Open.

The Spaniad has since complained mightily about the physical stress the crowded ATP calendar puts on top players, especially with the oddball nearly-two-week masters 1000 events which have drawn heavy criticism from all quarters of the sport as nothing more than an organiser cash grab..

Sinner is already set to miss the Asian swing which begins this week in Beijing and is followed by the Shanghai Masters. The 25-year-old Italian is also likely in danger for the Paris Nanterre Indoors and possibly the year-end finals in Turin in November..

His top ranking is now under this season’s two-time Grand Slam winner Alexander Zverev, who is closing fast on Sinner in the ranking points race.

Main photo:- Wimbledon 2026 Men’s singles final Jannik Sinner with Winners Trophy – Roger Parker International Sports Fotos

Alexander Zverev put Europe over the top on Sunday, with a 7-6 (3), 6-3 defeat of Learner Tien to hand his side the Laver Cup trophy in London.

The reigning Roland Garros and US Open champion added to his success this season as his victory insured the final three points for Europe in the Roger Federer-run exhibition.

The  three day event ended 13-5 for Europe against the Rest of the World..

Europe started the final day with success as Flavio Cobolli and Jakub Mensik grabbed three points with a 7-5, 6-3 defeat of Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz which moved the side into 10-5 superiority.

The winning pair came from a break down but quickly recovered to take control of the key rubber at the O2.“It’s the third year I came to the Laver Cup and I had never won a match, so I’m really happy,” Roland Garros finalist Cobolli said. 

“It happens here in London where I love to play, especially with one of my best friends on Tour. I am really happy.”

Europe captain Yannick Noah, 66, joked during the trophy ceremony with his winning side,

“Maybe you see me as your father, – or your grandfather.  But we are sharing something very special. Winning feels good.”

“I haven’t won a match here in two years, so I’m happy that I did it today,” Zverev said.

“Massive credit to the entire Team World. They pushed us all the way again. They were champions last year.

“This year, we had a great team chemistry and I’m very happy that we won.”

Main photo:- Team Europe celebrate victory – by ATPTour.com