Nuno Borges has been handed a daunting opening assignment at the China Open, with the Portuguese set to face six-time champion Novak Djokovic in the first round.
Djokovic arrives in Beijing with a remarkable 29-0 record at the ATP 500 tournament, having won all six of his previous appearances at the event. For Borges, that makes the draw particularly challenging, but the 49th-ranked Portuguese believes the Serbian’s extraordinary record could also create pressure on his opponent.
"That's crazy," Borges said of Djokovic’s unbeaten record in Beijing.
The pair have met once before, with Djokovic coming through a tight quarter-final at the 2025 Athens tournament. The Serbian won 7-6(4), 6-4, but Borges took plenty from the encounter.
Borges managed to push Djokovic deep into the opening set and had two break points at 4-4 before the eventual champion held serve. The experience also gave him a better understanding of what makes Djokovic so difficult to beat.
"He controls the tempo and the momentum," Borges said.
The Portuguese was particularly impressed by Djokovic’s ability to dictate rallies without constantly relying on outright winners. His serving, movement and ability to turn defensive positions into attacking opportunities were among the qualities that stood out to Borges.
That previous meeting could give Borges a useful reference point ahead of their rematch in Beijing.
Source: TNT Sports
Djokovic’s recent results may offer Borges some additional encouragement. The 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a first-round defeat at the US Open, but Borges knows better than most that Djokovic’s reputation and experience remain significant factors whenever he steps onto court.
The Portuguese has also gained valuable experience against top players in recent seasons. He has practised with Djokovic at Roland Garros and faced Jannik Sinner on Wimbledon’s Centre Court, experiences that have helped him become more comfortable in high-pressure environments.
Borges believes those occasions have taught him how to manage the nerves that come with facing the biggest names in tennis and playing in front of large crowds.
This time, however, he sees little reason to carry the pressure himself.
"There's no pressure for me," Borges said.
That mindset could be particularly useful against Djokovic, who will arrive with the weight of his extraordinary Beijing record behind him.
For Borges, the challenge is clear. He will need to find a way to disrupt Djokovic’s rhythm, withstand the Serbian’s relentless consistency and take advantage of any opportunities that emerge.
While Djokovic’s perfect Beijing record makes him the most decorated player in the tournament’s history, Borges already knows that he can compete with him.
Now he gets another chance to prove it, this time on one of Djokovic’s most successful stages.
