Novak Djokovic has officially announced his participation in this year’s China Open, which will be staged from September 30 to October 6 and broadcast live on Sky Sports. This marks his first appearance at the Beijing tournament since 2015, ending an eleven‑year gap from the event. The Serbian star, now 39, has experienced a turbulent start to the season.
After a surprising first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open, his world ranking slipped to as low as No. 12. That upset followed a third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, bookending a mixed Grand Slam campaign that also featured a run to the Wimbledon semi‑finals, where he was decisively beaten in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s Grand Slam trophy cabinet has remained untouched since his 2023 triumph, meaning he has gone three full calendar years without adding another major title. Nevertheless, his decision to return to the ATP 500 competition in Beijing signals a desire to regain momentum on the tour. He is a six‑time champion of the China Open, having last lifted the trophy in 2015. Last year’s champion was Sinner, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury and will not defend his crown.
The loss to Navone in New York was historically significant for Djokovic, as it represented the first time he had been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open. In a brief Instagram story posted on Wednesday, the Serbian legend expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming week: "I’m thrilled to be back and to perform for you all at the National Tennis Centre – one of the finest venues in the sport." In related news, Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to continue its coverage of the US Open through the end of 2030, ensuring that fans will keep receiving live broadcasts of the tournament for the foreseeable future. Other headlines from the US Open circuit include Alexander Zverev’s confident claim that he is currently the world’s best player, his subsequent victory over Ben Shelton to capture the title, and a series of updates surrounding the final Grand Slam of the 2026 season at Flushing Meadows.
The coverage also highlighted Ben Shelton’s excitement about contesting his first Grand Slam final against Zverev. On the women’s side, British talent Emma Raducanu announced on Wednesday that she will withdraw from this month’s China Open and will not be back on court until at least October.
Raducanu has been absent from competition since her loss in the Queen’s Club final in June, a setback that forced her to miss both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg. The 23‑year‑old recently posted video footage of herself training at London’s National Tennis Centre, suggesting that a return is on the horizon. Analysts speculate that her next possible appearance could be at the Wuhan Open, scheduled to begin on October 12 and also televised live on Sky Sports.
For tennis enthusiasts who prefer streaming, the sport can be followed without a contract via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app. Additionally, fans can catch the Laver Cup, which will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, with live coverage provided by Sky Sports. Djokovic’s comeback to Beijing carries symbolic weight.
The National Tennis Centre is renowned for its state‑of‑the‑art facilities and enthusiastic crowds, offering an ideal setting for the former world No. 1 to rediscover his winning form. While his recent results have been mixed, his experience and tenacity suggest he could make a deep run, especially with several of his main rivals either injured or out of form. The tournament itself, part of the ATP 500 series, traditionally attracts a strong field and offers valuable ranking points that could help Djokovic climb back up the ladder.
With Sinner sidelined, the draw opens up for other contenders, and Djokovic’s presence adds both prestige and a compelling storyline for viewers. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s decision to compete at the China Open after an eleven‑year absence underscores his commitment to reviving his season and adding to his impressive resume of titles. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, providing fans with the opportunity to witness whether the Serbian maestro can translate his experience into success on the hard courts of Beijing. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu’s recovery continues to be closely monitored, and tennis followers can look forward to a packed schedule of high‑quality matches across multiple platforms throughout the coming weeks.