Day 1 Preview: Novak Returns, FAA Faces Early Danger

The emporer of Beijing will play at the China Open for the first time in 11 years on Wednesday evening.

Six-time China Open champion Novak Djokovic returns to the Diamond Court in Wednesday’s night session and will face Nuno Borges in his first-round match. Djokovic is seeking to protect his perfect record at the event. The Serbian legend is 29-0 at the China Open and has only lost three sets ever for a 58-3 record.

“History of my results on the Chinese soil has been incredible,” Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference. “This year, Beijing was on the priority list. I’m really glad I’m here.” 

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, defeated Borges in straight sets in their only meeting at the 2025 Athens Open, a tournament he went on to win. 

No. 2 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime has a tall task ahead, matching up with Karen Khachanov in the first round. Khachanov beat the Canadian earlier this month at the U.S. Open on his way to the semifinals before losing to the eventual champion, and top seed in Beijing, Alexander Zverev. Khachanov leads the head-to-head 3-2 going into their match Wednesday.  

Two Chinese wild cards will feature on the men’s side as well. Zhang Zhizhen will face French qualifier Arthur Gea. Zhang, who was ranked as high as No. 31 in 2024, is now No. 165 in the world after a significant shoulder injury disrupted his past two seasons.  

Bu Yunchaokete will play Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo, who stunned World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the second round of the French Open earlier this year. Bu pulled off an upset of his own last month at the U.S. Open, beating 13th-ranked Rafael Jodar in the first round.  

The women’s WTA 1000 will also get underway Wednesday, showcasing Chinese wildcard Yue Yuan. The 28-year-old will face Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova, with the winner advancing to face reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva in the second round.  

The No.2 seed Aryna Sabalenka will get the winner of the second night match on Diamond Court between Anna Bondar and Renata Zarazua. Sabalenka has faced each once before, winning both matches.  

Reigning Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova awaits the winner of Elena-Gabriela Ruse and Lilli Tagger. Ruse has defeated Noskova this year in their only matchup at the Bad Homburg Open. 

By Ellis von Fintel