Novak Djokovic has officially announced that he will take part in this year’s China Open, which is scheduled to run from September 30 to October 6 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This marks his first appearance at the Beijing tournament in more than a decade, the last time he competed there being in 2015. The Serbian star, now 39, has experienced a turbulent start to the season.
After a stunning first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open, his world ranking slipped as low as No. 12, a position far removed from the top‑two spots he has occupied for much of his career.
That upset in New York followed a third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, meaning that his Grand Slam performances this year have been unusually modest. In between those two early defeats, Djokovic managed to reach the semi‑finals at Wimbledon, only to be dispatched in straight sets by the tournament’s eventual champion, Italy’s Jannik Sinner. It is worth noting that Djokovic has not lifted a Grand Slam trophy since his 2023 triumph, meaning he has now endured three full calendar years without a major title.
Despite this drought, he remains a six‑time champion at the ATP 500 event in Beijing, having previously claimed the crown six times before his 2015 withdrawal. Last year’s edition was won by Jannik Sinner, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury and therefore will not be defending his title.
The loss to Navone was historically significant for Djokovic because it represented the first time he had been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, ending a streak of more than 350 consecutive Grand Slam matches in which he advanced beyond the first round. In an Instagram story posted on Wednesday, Djokovic expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the National Tennis Centre, describing it as "one of the nicest venues we have in tennis" and saying he was eager to perform for the fans there. In related news, Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to its US Open coverage, guaranteeing that the tournament will continue to be shown on the network through the end of 2030. The broadcaster has also been busy covering other major storylines, such as Alexander Zverev’s claim that he is currently the best player in the world, his subsequent victory over Ben Shelton in the US Open final, and various updates surrounding the 2026 Grand Slam schedule at Flushing Meadows.
On the women's side, British player Emma Raducanu announced on Wednesday that she will miss the China Open and will not return to competitive action until at least October. Raducanu has been absent from the tour since losing the Queen’s Club final in June and subsequently missing both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg. She recently posted a video from London’s National Tennis Centre showing her back in training, suggesting that a comeback is on the horizon. The most likely event for her return is the Wuhan Open, set to begin on October 12 and also broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The China Open itself is an ATP 500 tournament that traditionally attracts a strong field, and Djokovic’s participation is expected to raise the profile of the event considerably. His history in Beijing includes six titles, and fans will be eager to see whether he can add another trophy to his extensive collection. The tournament will be staged at the National Tennis Centre, a modern facility that has hosted numerous high‑profile matches and is praised for its excellent playing conditions and spectator amenities.
Beyond the immediate excitement of Djokovic’s comeback, his presence in Beijing underscores a broader trend of top players seeking to balance their schedules with a mix of Grand Slam events, ATP 500 tournaments, and occasional forays into the Asian swing of the calendar. This strategic planning is especially important for players like Djokovic, who are looking to accumulate ranking points, regain confidence after a series of disappointing results, and prepare for the season‑ending championships.
For viewers, Sky Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of the China Open, including live match broadcasts, expert analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes features. Subscribers can also stream the action via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, ensuring that fans can follow the tournament from any device without a long‑term contract. Additionally, the network will be airing the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, offering further high‑quality tennis content for its audience. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s decision to return to the China Open after an eleven‑year gap adds a compelling narrative to the tournament’s lineup.
While his recent form has been inconsistent, his track record in Beijing and his expressed enthusiasm suggest that he will be a major draw for both spectators and television audiences. The event promises to deliver high‑stakes matches, potential upsets, and a chance for Djokovic to rediscover the winning form that has defined much of his illustrious career.