# Djokovic and Rybakina lead the 2026 China Open > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/novak-djokovic-return-to-beijing-tennis-tournament > Updated: 2026-10-02T15:34:14.000Z. Sources: 167. Developments: 5. The 2026 China Open in Beijing has commenced, featuring top-tier talent in both the ATP and WTA draws. Novak Djokovic has returned to the tournament after an 11-year absence, seeking to maintain his undefeated record in Beijing. In his opening match, Djokovic defeated Portugal’s Nuno Borges in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(2), to advance to the round of 16. The win extends Djokovic’s perfect record at the event to 30 consecutive victories. During the match, which lasted approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes, the 39-year-old Serbian faced physical challenges, including breathing difficulties, abdominal discomfort, and lower back issues that required attention from a physiotherapist. Despite these hurdles and winning 88% of points on his first serve, Djokovic maintained his composure to secure the win in a second-set tie-break. He expressed appreciation for the support of the 15,000 spectators in attendance, noting that the passion of the Chinese spectators is “unique.” Djokovic subsequently advanced to the quarterfinals following a comeback victory against Chinese wild card Bu Yunchaokete. In a match lasting 2 hours and 52 minutes, Djokovic overcame a first-set loss to win 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2. He again required a medical time-out during the second set due to abdominal pain and hip discomfort. This victory extends his perfect Beijing record to 31 consecutive wins, a streak that matches Rafael Nadal’s opening run at Roland Garros. Reflecting on his performance and physical state, Djokovic noted that his season has been a “big, big struggle” due to undisclosed health issues rather than stamina problems. He clarified his position regarding these ailments, stating, “I don't want to go into details, because then it will look like I am complaining or looking for excuses.” He is scheduled to face the winner of the match between Alexander Zverev and Shang Juncheng in the next round. ## Claims - Novak Đoković defeated Bu Juncaokete in the round of 16 at the ATP tournament in Beijing. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The final match score was 4:6, 7:6 (7:2), 6:2. (corroborated by 4 sources) - This victory marks Đoković's 31st win in Beijing, maintaining a perfect record of 31 wins in 31 matches at the tournament. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The match lasted two hours and 52 minutes. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Đoković will face the winner of the match between Alexander Zverev and Shang Juncheng in the quarterfinals. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Novak Djokovic maintains a perfect 31-0 career record in Beijing. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Alexander Zverev defeated Juncheng Shang 6-0, 6-3 in 55 minutes at the ATP tournament in Beijing. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Đoković is ranked 11th in the world, while Bu is ranked 104th. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Đoković requested medical time-out due to abdominal pain during the second set. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Djokovic defeated Bu Yunchaokete with a score of 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The match against Bu Yunchaokete lasted two hours and 52 minutes. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Djokovic's 31-0 Beijing streak matches Rafael Nadal’s 31-0 start at Roland Garros. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-02: Novak Djokovic reaches China Open quarterfinals after comeback win Novak Djokovic overcame a first-set loss and physical discomfort to defeat Bu Yunchaokete 4-6, 7-6, 6-2, maintaining his 31-0 unbeaten streak at the China Open in Beijing. 94 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novak-okovi-advances-to-beijing-atp-quarterfinals-after-comeback-win ### 2026-09-30: Novak Djokovic wins China Open opener after 11-year absence Novak Djokovic defeated Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6 (2) in his China Open debut, maintaining a 30-0 record in Beijing despite experiencing stomach and back discomfort during the match. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novak-djokovic-wins-opening-match-at-china-open ### 2026-09-28: Novak Djokovic defeats Nuno Borges at China Open Novak Djokovic defeated Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6(2) in the first round of the China Open, maintaining his perfect 30-0 record in Beijing despite facing physical discomfort during the match. 80 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novak-djokovic-targets-victory-at-china-open ### 2026-09-16: Novak Djokovic to return to China Open after 11-year hiatus Novak Djokovic will return to the China Open in Beijing after an 11-year absence, aiming to rebuild momentum following a disappointing US Open performance. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novak-okovi-to-return-to-china-open-after-11-years ### 2026-09-02: Novak Djokovic returns to Beijing for ATP 500 tournament Novak Djokovic returns to Beijing for the ATP 500 tournament from September 30 to October 6, following an 11-year absence and a recent exit from the US Open. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novak-djokovic-returns-to-beijing-for-atp-500-tournament --- Cite as: Djokovic and Rybakina lead the 2026 China Open. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/novak-djokovic-return-to-beijing-tennis-tournament