Djokovic Advances to Second Round of Beijing Tennis Despite Physical Struggles

In his first official match since losing in the first round of the US Open, the 24-time Grand Slam champion started strong, breaking his opponent's serve from the second game to quickly lead 3-0.

However, the player who has not suffered a defeat in 30 matches so far in the Beijing tournament, seemed to be gradually bearing the burden of his 39 years in his first match in this beloved tournament since 2015, when he won the title for the fourth consecutive time and the sixth in his career.

Djokovic sometimes seemed to be gasping at the end of exchanges, appearing limited in movement and showing expressions of pain between points.

The Belgrade native fought to save two chances to break his serve when the score was 4-2 in his favor, also benefiting from a direct error by Borges on the second opportunity.

That was enough to win the first set 6-3, before leaving the court for a few minutes.

When he returned to the main court in Beijing, it was clear that Djokovic's physical troubles continued, as he was seen massaging his back in pain from the second game.

He received treatment on his right arm, ribs, and mid-chest when Borges was leading 3-2, but still managed to win his service games easily without losing a point.

He even had a chance to break the serve when the score was tied at 4-4, but failed to capitalize on it, before ultimately winning the match in the tiebreaker.

In the second round, Djokovic will face China's Bu Yunchaokete, ranked 104th in the world.