Djokovic Says Season Has Been Major Physical Struggle

Novak Djokovic receives treatment during his China Open match in Beijing.

Novak Djokovic said his season has been a major physical struggle after requiring another medical timeout during his China Open comeback, but the 39-year-old recovered to beat China's Bu Yunchaokete 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2 and maintain his unbeaten record in Beijing. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said the issue was not stamina-related but connected to an undisclosed health problem that has affected him throughout the year.

Djokovic needed treatment after falling behind early in the second set. He was also given a time violation as he struggled to recover between points before returning to the court and turning the match around.

The Serbian lost the opening set 6-4 to the home player, who pushed the six-time China Open champion through a demanding contest. Djokovic responded by taking the second-set tie-break and then controlled the decider 6-2.

The win extended Djokovic's Beijing record to 31 consecutive victories. He remains unbeaten at the China Open and moved into the tournament quarter-finals despite requiring medical assistance in consecutive matches.

Djokovic had also needed a medical timeout during his opening-round victory over Portugal's Nuno Borges. He said most matches and tournaments this season had involved difficult physical battles.

The former world number one has faced back and shoulder concerns that affected his serve in recent events. He vomited during a US Open match and has also experienced problems in hot and humid conditions.

Djokovic said the physical problems were not a question of conditioning. He said the concerns were linked to an underlying issue that has complicated his schedule and performance throughout the season.

The China Open gives Djokovic an opportunity to test his condition in a tournament where he has historically thrived. His recovery against Bu kept his title bid alive, but the need for another timeout again placed his health at the centre of the campaign.

Djokovic will continue in Beijing with his condition under close focus. His 31-match winning streak at the event remains intact, while his remarks underline the difficult physical circumstances surrounding his return to competition