Serbia's Novak Djokovic fought hard to beat China's Bu Yunchaokete 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 in a thrilling two-hour 52-minute match at the China Open on Friday. The 39-year-old Djokovic, a firm favorite in China with an unbeaten record in 31 matches, was pushed to his limits by the 24-year-old wildcard. Bu's aggressive play frustrated Djokovic, forcing him to use a medical timeout for his torso after giving back a break in the second set.
Despite the challenges, Djokovic managed to hold on in a tense tie-break, eventually forcing a deciding third set. The 11th-ranked Djokovic then regained his composure, winning four consecutive games and holding serve before sealing the match with a backhand winner. In his post-match comments, Djokovic praised the electric atmosphere and thanked the crowd for their support, saying he "tried to give my all" during the match.
Djokovic's next opponent will be either Germany's Alexander Zverev, the top seed in Beijing, or Chinese wildcard Shang Juncheng in the quarter-final. The Serbian tennis star has had a remarkable career, and his China Open title charge is being closely watched by fans. Meanwhile, other top players also made progress in the tournament on Friday.
Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two from Belarus, began her China Open title charge with a convincing 6-1, 6-3 win over Mexico's Renata Zarazua. Sabalenka dominated the match, serving 11 aces and breaking her opponent to win on the second attempt. She attributed her success to staying focused on her own game and maintaining aggression on her serve and return.
Sabalenka's next opponent will be Czech player Nikola Bartunkova in the round of 32 in the women's 1000-level event. In other women's matches, Japan's Naomi Osaka survived a scare against Uzbekistan's Maria Timofeeva, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. The four-time Grand Slam champion will next play Sara Bejlek of the Czech Republic.
French Open champion Mirra Andreeva of Russia overcame a first-set wobble to beat Chinese wildcard Yuan Yue 3-6, 6-0, 6-0. Andreeva will face Uzbekistan's Polina Kudermetova in the next round. Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova, a 2025 Beijing finalist, beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-4, 6-1 and will meet Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic in the third round.
In the men's draw, Russian world number six Daniil Medvedev defeated qualifier Pablo Carreno Busta 6-4, 6-2, setting up a second-round meeting with Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff. The China Open continues to thrill fans with exciting matches and unexpected challenges for top players.
Key points
- Novak Djokovic overcame a scare against wildcard Bu Yunchaokete, winning 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2.
- Aryna Sabalenka began her China Open title charge with a 6-1, 6-3 win over Renata Zarazua.
- Naomi Osaka survived a scare against Maria Timofeeva, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
