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 noteworthy comeback to the tournament, as the Serbian star has not played in Beijing since 2015, ending an eleven‑year gap in his ATP 500 calendar. The 39‑year‑old champion’s recent form has been far from his usual dominance.
At the US Open, he suffered a startling first‑round loss to Argentina’s rising talent Mariano Navone, a defeat that saw his world ranking tumble to as low as No. 12.
That early exit followed a disappointing third‑round loss at Roland Garros in May, creating a pattern of underwhelming Grand Slam results that bookended an otherwise impressive run to the Wimbledon semi‑finals, where he was decisively beaten in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. Djokovic’s trophy cabinet has remained untouched since his last Grand Slam victory in 2023, meaning he has now endured three complete calendar years without adding another major title to his record. The Beijing event, however, offers a chance to regain confidence on a surface that has historically suited his aggressive baseline game.
He is a six‑time champion in Beijing, having last lifted the China Open trophy in 2015. Last year’s champion was Jannik Sinner, but the Italian is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the draw for other contenders.
The loss to Navone in New York was particularly significant because it represented 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 struggles have been. In response to his upcoming return, Djokovic posted an enthusiastic Instagram story, 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 remarks highlight both his eagerness to reconnect with fans and his appreciation for the quality of the Beijing facilities. While Djokovic prepares for his Beijing campaign, other notable developments are shaping the broader tennis landscape. 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.
Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev has publicly asserted that he believes he is currently the world’s best male player, issuing a challenge to both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev’s confidence was on display as he advanced through the US Open draw, ultimately defeating Ben Shelton in the final to claim the title in four sets, a victory that has sparked further debate about the shifting hierarchy among the sport’s elite. In related news, British player Emma Raducanu has announced her withdrawal from this month’s China Open.
The 23‑year‑old has not competed since she fell in the Queen’s Club final in June, a setback that forced her out of Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg. Raducanu recently shared a video from London’s National Tennis Centre, indicating that she has resumed training and may aim to return to competition at the Wuhan Open, scheduled to begin on October 12 and also broadcast on Sky Sports.
The China Open will therefore feature a field reshaped by injuries and absences, providing an intriguing backdrop for Djokovic’s attempt to re‑establish himself on the ATP tour. With Sinner out, the tournament is more open than in recent years, and Djokovic’s experience on the hard courts of Beijing could prove decisive. Fans can look forward to high‑stakes matches, potential upsets, and the chance to see whether the Serbian legend can translate his storied past success into a fresh surge of form. For viewers, Sky Sports continues to offer extensive tennis coverage without the need for a traditional contract through its NOW platform and the Sky Sports App.
In addition to the China Open, the network will also broadcast the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, ensuring a packed schedule of premier tennis action for the coming weeks.