The sixth-seeded Serbian defeated Borges 6–3, 7–6(2) in the first round in Beijing on Wednesday, September 30, in his first appearance at the tournament since 2015.
Djokovic made the ideal start, breaking Borges in the second game and controlling the opening set. The 39-year-old saved both break points he faced before taking the set 6–3.
Borges improved in the second set and pushed Djokovic into longer rallies, but the Portuguese player could not convert either of his two break-point opportunities.
Djokovic then dominated the deciding tie-break, racing into a 5–1 lead before closing it out 7–2 to complete victory in one hour and 51 minutes.
The victory was Djokovic’s first since his Wimbledon quarter-final win in July. He had subsequently lost in the opening round of the US Open to Argentina’s Mariano Navone.
Djokovic also received a medical timeout during the second set after appearing to experience discomfort, but he was able to continue and finish the match.
The six-time China Open champion is now seeking a record-extending seventh title in Beijing and will face Chinese wild card Bu Yunchaokete in the second round. Bu defeated Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6–2, 5–7, 6–4.
• Novak Djokovic: 6, 7(7)
• Nuno Borges: 3, 6(2)