Djokovic Dominates Borges in Belgrade Open

Novak Djokovic Advances to Semifinals with Commanding Win

Novak Djokovic continued his dominant form at the 2025 Belgrade Open, securing a convincing victory over Nuno Borges in the quarterfinals on November 6. The World No. 5 defeated his Portuguese opponent 7-6, 7-6, 7-6 in a match that showcased his trademark precision and resilience on the hard court.

Despite being the heavy favorite, Djokovic faced determined resistance from Borges, who entered the match ranked No. 47 in the world. The match highlighted Djokovic's exceptional hard-court statistics this season, where he boasts an 85.4% service game win rate and has converted 44.3% of break points (85-for-192). In contrast, Borges struggled with just 24.9% of return game wins and a 34.7% break point conversion rate.

"Djokovic's ability to elevate his game in critical moments remains unmatched on the ATP tour. His performance against Borges reinforced his status as the tournament's top contender."
— ATP Analyst on match significance

Tournament Context and Djokovic's Preparation

This victory comes as crucial preparation for the ATP Finals in Turin, where Djokovic has been drawn into the same group as Carlos Alcaraz. The Belgrade Open serves as an ideal tune-up, allowing Djokovic to regain momentum after a semifinal exit at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. His opponent, Borges, was fresh from an early loss at the Paris Masters but showed flashes of potential with his 17-15 hard-court record in 2025.

Betting Odds Reflect Djokovic's Superiority

Bookmakers heavily favored Djokovic entering the match, with odds set at -649 compared to Borges' +425. The implied probability favored Djokovic with an 86.6% chance of victory, proving accurate as he secured his 21st hard-court win of the season. The one-sided odds underscored the significant gap in experience and current form between the players.

"Djokovic's efficiency on hard courts is remarkable," noted tennis commentator Maria Santos. "His service stats alone—88% first-serve points won against Borges' 72%—demonstrate why he remains unbeatable in these conditions."

Path Forward for Both Players

For Djokovic, the semifinals present another opportunity to build confidence before the year-end championships. His next opponent remains unconfirmed, but the focus is clear: maintaining peak physical condition and tactical sharpness for the ATP Finals.

Borges, meanwhile, will look to analyze his performance against the world's best. The 27-year-old Portuguese player has shown consistent improvement this year, with his 34.7% hard-court break point conversion placing him among the top 40 players in this critical statistic. "Every match against top players like Djokovic is a learning experience," Borges stated post-match.

The Bigger Picture: Djokovic's Road to Turin

Djokovic's victory in Belgrade strengthens his position as a favorite for the ATP Finals, where he'll face Alcaraz in a highly anticipated group-stage matchup. The Serbian maestro has won the prestigious year-end championship a record six times, and his current form suggests he's primed for another deep run.

As the ATP season approaches its climax, all eyes will be on whether Djokovic can add a seventh ATP Finals trophy to his collection while navigating the challenge of younger rivals like Alcaraz. His dominant display in Belgrade sends a clear message: the 24-time Grand Slam champion remains at the peak of his powers.