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 in more than a decade, the last time he competed there being back in 2015. The 39‑year‑old Serbian star has experienced a turbulent start to the season, slipping as low as world No.
12 after a stunning first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open. That upset followed a disappointing 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 dispatched in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. Djokovic’s trophy cabinet has been quiet on the Grand Slam front since his 2023 triumph, leaving him without a major title for three full calendar years.
Nevertheless, his record at the ATP 500 event in Beijing is impressive: he has claimed the championship six times, and his return will be closely watched by fans eager to see if he can add another title to his already extensive résumé. Last year’s champion, Sinner, is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the draw for other contenders.
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. Reflecting on his upcoming appearance, Djokovic posted an Instagram story on Wednesday, saying, "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 enthusiasm underscores a desire to regain momentum and confidence ahead of the closing stages of the season.
In related news, Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to its US Open coverage, guaranteeing live broadcasts of the tournament through the end of 2030. The network also highlighted other headline‑making moments from the recent US Open, such as Alexander Zverev’s proclamation that he is currently the world’s best player, his victory over Ben Shelton in the final, and the ongoing rivalry narratives involving Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. On the women’s side, Britain’s Emma Raducanu announced on Wednesday that she will withdraw from this month’s China Open, delaying her return to competitive play until at least October. Raducanu has not competed since her loss in the Queen’s Club final in June, a setback that caused her to miss both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg.
The 23‑year‑old posted a video from London’s National Tennis Centre showing her back in training, hinting at a possible comeback at the Wuhan Open on October 12, which will also be aired live on Sky Sports. The China Open itself is a pivotal stop on the ATP calendar, offering 500 ranking points to the champion and serving as a key preparation event for the Asian swing that culminates in the Shanghai Masters. With a strong field expected – including top‑ranked players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and the recovering Jannik Sinner – the tournament promises high‑quality tennis and a chance for Djokovic to test his form against the current generation of stars. Beyond the on‑court action, Sky Sports is promoting additional tennis content for viewers.
Subscribers can stream matches without a contract via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, and the network is also broadcasting the Laver Cup from The O2 in London between September 25 and 27. These offerings aim to keep tennis fans engaged throughout the autumn season, even as the sport transitions toward the indoor hard‑court events that lead into the year‑end championships. Djokovic’s return to Beijing carries symbolic weight as well. The National Tennis Centre, praised for its modern facilities and enthusiastic crowds, provides a stage where the Serbian legend can reconnect with Asian fans and showcase his enduring competitiveness.
While the Serbian’s recent results have been mixed, his experience, mental toughness, and ability to raise his level in crucial moments make him a perpetual threat, regardless of ranking fluctuations. If Djokovic can capture his earlier form, a title in Beijing could serve as a catalyst for a late‑season resurgence, potentially setting up a compelling narrative heading into the ATP Finals. Conversely, a deep run without a championship would still reinforce his status as a resilient contender capable of challenging the younger cohort that has begun to dominate the sport. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s confirmed entry into the 2026 China Open adds a marquee storyline to an already exciting Asian swing.
His comeback after an 11‑year gap, combined with recent setbacks and the broader context of the men’s and women’s tours, ensures that the tournament will be closely followed by tennis enthusiasts worldwide. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu’s delayed return highlights the ongoing challenges athletes face when recovering from injury, underscoring the physical demands of the modern game. Fans can look forward to a week of high‑stakes matches, historic venues, and the possibility of witnessing a new chapter in Djokovic’s illustrious career.