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 a notable comeback to the tournament after an eleven‑year gap, the last time he played in Beijing being in 2015.
The 39‑year‑old Serbian star has experienced a turbulent start to the season. After a stunning upset at the US Open, where he fell in the first round to Argentina’s Mariano Navone, his world ranking briefly slipped to No. 12 – the lowest position he has held in many years. That loss followed a third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, meaning Djokovic endured two lackluster Grand Slam performances in quick succession.
In contrast, he had a strong showing at Wimbledon, reaching the semifinals before being dispatched in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. Despite reaching the Wimbledon semifinals, Djokovic has not lifted a Grand Slam trophy since his 2023 triumph, ending a three‑year drought without a major title.
His return to the ATP 500 event in Beijing is therefore significant both for his personal narrative and for fans eager to see him compete on the Asian swing. Djokovic is a six‑time champion at the China Open, having claimed the title on six occasions before his 2015 departure. Last year’s champion was Jannik Sinner, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury and will not defend his crown.
The loss to Navone in New York was historically notable: it was the first time Djokovic had been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, underscoring how unusual his recent form has been. In response, Djokovic shared an optimistic message on Instagram, stating, "I am excited to come back and perform in front of all of you at the National Tennis Centre – one of the nicest venues we have in tennis." His words reflect both a desire to regain confidence and an appreciation for the facilities in Beijing, which are regarded as among the premier tennis venues worldwide. Beyond Djokovic’s news, Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to continue its coverage of the US Open through the end of 2030, ensuring that American tennis fans will have uninterrupted access to the tournament’s live action, commentary, and analysis. In related US Open coverage, Alexander Zverev has publicly claimed that he is currently the best player in the world, issuing a challenge to rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Zverev later fulfilled that confidence by defeating Ben Shelton in the final, clinching the title in four sets and ending Shelton’s dream run. The US Open also generated a slew of headlines, including detailed draws, schedules, and results from the final Grand Slam of the 2026 season at Flushing Meadows.
Live scores, updates, and expert commentary have been streamed continuously, with particular focus on the men’s final featuring Zverev and Shelton. Meanwhile, Ben Shelton expressed enthusiasm about competing in his first Grand Slam final, describing the experience as a major milestone in his career.
On the women’s side, British rising star Emma Raducanu announced her withdrawal from the upcoming China Open. The 23‑year‑old has not competed 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. Raducanu recently posted video footage from London’s National Tennis Centre, indicating that she has resumed training and is aiming for a comeback. Her earliest possible return to competitive play is projected for the Wuhan Open, which begins on October 12 and will also be aired live on Sky Sports.
For tennis enthusiasts who wish to follow the action without a long‑term contract, streaming options are available through NOW and the Sky Sports app, providing flexible access to live matches, highlights, and exclusive content. Additionally, fans can attend the Laver Cup at the O2 Arena in London from September 25 to 27, where the event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering another high‑profile tennis showcase.
In summary, Novak Djokovic’s decision to re‑enter the China Open field adds a compelling storyline to the Asian leg of the ATP tour, especially as he seeks to rebuild momentum after a challenging start to the year. His participation, alongside the ongoing coverage of major tournaments like the US Open and upcoming events such as the Wuhan Open, ensures that tennis fans will have a packed schedule of high‑quality matches to enjoy on Sky Sports in the coming weeks.