China Open unbeaten record intact as Novak Djokovic survives three-hour epic against home favourite

Novak Djokovic’s unbeaten record in the China Open is still intact, but it was severely in doubt against an inspired Bu Yunchaokete. Djokovic overturned a one-set deficit to soldier his way through 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2.

Djokovic’s prior form at the tournament is ridiculous. He sealed a 31st consecutive win in a seventh appearance, still yet to taste defeat as he searches for a seventh title. It is his first time competing in this tournament since 2015, and while not at the same level he was 11 years ago, he is still very much a force to be reckoned with.

He could extend this run even more with another deep run in the Chinese capital on the cards, a place that Djokovic is very fond of with his fanbase in that particular part of the world always something he relishes.

On most occasions, the Chinese support would be cheering on only their player, but they fairly shared their support between Bu and Djokovic, urging both on. This did not concern Bu who played out a brilliant performance that put the 39-year-old under bucket loads of pressure.

This was represented in the first set. Bu played some outstanding tennis and Djokovic was unable to keep up. He fought back in the second set, prevailing in a pivotal tiebreak before romping clear in the third set to keep his China Open title hopes alive.

The match began with both players settling quickly. Bu found his feet relatively fast against the six-time champion with six holds of serve commencing the contest. Bu only conceded four points when starting games in this period.

Then came the pivotal moment of the first set. A flustered and irritated Djokovic was not having everything go his way and would be hounded on his own serve. Bu created four break point chances and eventually took one with a wayward Djokovic backhand gifting him the lead.

He made it three games on the spin to lead 5-3, but an emphatic hold to love forced the 24-year-old to see it out on his own terms. With a second set point, he took the first set and was on course for a gigantic upset.

Djokovic was not playing bad, but he was certainly not reaching the levels of his inspired opponent. Despite playing against a Chinese player in China, the crowd seemed to support Djokovic more, showcasing the passion and love he regularly receives when competing in this part of the world.

That was on for show when he fired himself back into the match. He made it three consecutive holds to love before converting his first break point of the match. Very much overdue, but finally Djokovic was playing some very good tennis.

His lead was quickly extinguished with Bu striking back instantly. Djokovic then underwent a medical timeout with some of the gruelling rallies taking its toll. He was back up on his feet and was thrown into an eight-minute game that saw a break point come and go with Bu relentless.

Another two break chances cropped up for Djokovic with some brilliant returning, but Bu ticked off four points and got back level at 4-4. Four holds later, a hugely crucial tiebreak was confirmed. From 2-2, there was no stopping Djokovic who dug himself out of a hole and forces a third set.

This rampant period would not stop here. The 24-time Grand Slam champion wanted to get the job done in a swift manner with little fuss. A break of serve put him in the lead for the first time in the match since the fifth game as Bu started to relinquish his powers. Yet another hold to love backed up the break, and Djokovic was four games away from victory.

He added more distance between him and his opponent before grinding out a tough service game with numerous deuces and two break points. Bu finally got on the board in the third set, but the damage was already done.

Another brace of holds, and Djokovic was on the brink of an outstanding win. He created three match points, and the second one was converted, being met with wild celebrations as he progressed. He could be facing the No.1 seed Alexander Zverev in the quarter-final. The two-time Grand Slam champion will take on another Chinese player in the form of Juncheng Shang tomorrow.