Djokovic's perfect winning streak in Beijing faced an unexpected challenge when he lost the first set and was pushed to a second-set tie-break. However, at a crucial moment, the Serbian player secured five consecutive points from a 2-2 tie in the tie-break, then dominated the deciding set. This victory extends his unbeaten record at the tournament to 31-0.

Djokovic returns a ball during his second-round match against Bu Yunchaokete at the China Open, held on Diamond Court at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, China on 2/10/2026. Photo: AP

Bu, a 24-year-old wild card entry ranked 104th in the world, 93 ranks below Djokovic, made the match significantly tougher than Djokovic's first-round win against Nuno Borges. The home player capitalized on a break point opportunity to take a 4-3 lead in the opening set and maintained that advantage to win it.

Djokovic seemed to regain control, leading 3-1 in the second set, but Bu immediately broke back to level the score. The Chinese player continued to hold his final service game, forcing a tie-break. There, Nole's experience proved decisive, securing a 7-2 win to bring the match back to level terms.

This turning point released the pressure on Djokovic. He won the first two return games of the third set, establishing a 4-0 lead, then 5-1. Bu could not replicate his earlier resistance and the match concluded on Djokovic's second match point.

The ability to handle second serves was key to the comeback. Djokovic won 73% of his second-serve points, while Bu managed only 45%. Djokovic also recorded 15 aces, committed no double faults, and saved six of eight break points. Conversely, he converted three of seven break opportunities. These figures highlight the Serbian player's composure under pressure, despite playing for nearly three hours.

Djokovic has won all six of his previous appearances at the China Open, returning to Beijing this year for the first time since 2015. At 39 years old, he maintains his undefeated record at this ATP 500 event. Djokovic's next opponent will be the winner of the match between top seed Alexander Zverev and Shang Juncheng on 3/10.

Vy Anh