The 24-time Grand Slam champion recovered from a slow start to defeat home favourite Yunchaokete Bu in three sets in Beijing.
Novak Djokovic advanced to the China Open quarter-finals after overcoming China’s Yunchaokete Bu in a hard-fought second-round encounter in Beijing.
The Serbian star came from a set down to secure a 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 victory, overcoming a strong challenge from the home player. Bu impressed during the opening set, while Djokovic had to work through physical difficulties before turning the match around.
Djokovic appeared to struggle with his breathing during the second set and received medical attention for the second consecutive match at the tournament. He had also required assistance during his opening-round victory over Nuno Borges.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion initially found himself under pressure after dropping the first set. He managed to break early in the second but was unable to hold the advantage as Bu continued to compete aggressively.
Djokovic was also handed a time violation while attempting to recover between points. However, he regained his composure and produced a much stronger performance in the tie-break, taking control with a series of decisive points to level the contest.
The momentum shifted further in Djokovic’s favour during the third set. Bu was unable to reproduce the intensity of his opening-set performance, allowing Djokovic to take command and complete the comeback.
Djokovic is now potentially on course for a meeting with US Open champion Alexander Zverev. The German is scheduled to face China’s Shang Juncheng for a place in the quarter-finals, with the winner set to meet Djokovic in the next round.
The China Open marks Djokovic’s return to competition after almost a month away from the tour. His previous tournament appearance came at the US Open, where he suffered a first-round defeat against Argentina’s Mariano Navone.
The Beijing tournament has been a particularly successful venue for Djokovic. He has won the China Open six times, lifting the trophy in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Before this match, he had maintained a 30-0 record in Beijing.