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 return to the tournament after a gap of eleven years, during which time the Serbian star has focused on other events and dealt with a series of setbacks on the court.
The 39‑year‑old former world No. 1 has experienced a turbulent start to the season. His most recent performance at the US Open ended in a stunning first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone, a defeat that saw his ranking tumble to as low as No.
12. That early exit was particularly shocking because Djokovic had not been beaten in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, a streak that spanned more than a decade. The loss in New York followed a disappointing third‑round finish at the French Open in May, adding to a string of underwhelming Grand Slam results that have contrasted sharply with his usual dominance. The only bright spot in an otherwise uneven season was his run to the semi‑finals at Wimbledon, where he was ultimately outplayed in straight sets by the eventual champion, Italy’s Jannik Sinner.
Despite reaching the latter stages of that prestigious event, Djokovic has not captured a major title since his 2023 triumph, meaning he has now gone three full calendar years without adding another Grand Slam trophy to his cabinet. Returning to the ATP 500 competition in Beijing carries special significance for Djokovic. He is a six‑time champion of the China Open, having last lifted the trophy in 2015.
The tournament has been absent from his schedule for over a decade, and his re‑entry is likely to generate considerable interest among both Chinese fans and the global tennis community. Last year’s champion was Jannik Sinner, but he will not be defending his title this time because he is sidelined with a knee injury. In a brief Instagram story posted on Wednesday, Djokovic expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming appearance.
"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," he wrote, underscoring his appreciation for the facilities and the opportunity to reconnect with Asian supporters. The announcement of Djokovic’s participation arrives alongside other notable developments on the Asian swing. British talent Emma Raducanu, who has struggled with a stress fracture in her leg, confirmed that she will withdraw from this month’s China Open and will not be back on court until at least October. Raducanu’s last competitive match was a loss in the Queen’s Club final in June, and she subsequently missed both Wimbledon and the US Open while focusing on rehabilitation.
Earlier this week she posted a video from London’s National Tennis Centre, indicating that she has resumed light training and may target the Wuhan Open, slated to begin on October 12, for her next competitive appearance. The broader context of the season includes several storylines on the US Open front, where Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to continue its coverage through 2030. Highlights from the American major include Alexander Zverev’s assertion that he is currently the world’s best player, his subsequent victory over Ben Shelton in the men’s final, and a series of high‑profile matches that have captivated audiences worldwide.
While these narratives dominate the headlines, Djokovic’s decision to compete in Beijing adds a fresh layer of intrigue, especially given his recent form and the question of whether he can rediscover the level of play that once made him the sport’s most consistent winner. From a strategic perspective, the China Open offers Djokovic a valuable opportunity to gather ATP points, regain confidence, and adapt to the hard‑court conditions that will also feature later in the season. The tournament’s status as an ATP 500 event means that a deep run could significantly boost his ranking, potentially moving him back toward the top ten and improving his seeding for the remaining majors. Moreover, the event’s location in Beijing provides a chance for Djokovic to engage with a growing fan base in Asia, a market that has become increasingly important for tennis’s global expansion.
Fans can watch the entire competition live on Sky Sports, which also offers streaming options through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, eliminating the need for a traditional contract. In addition to the China Open, Sky Sports will broadcast the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, giving viewers a packed schedule of high‑calibre tennis. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s return to the China Open after an eleven‑year absence is a significant development in a season that has seen him grapple with unexpected defeats and a prolonged Grand Slam drought.
His participation not only revitalizes interest in the Beijing event but also provides him with a crucial platform to rebuild momentum ahead of the final stretch of the ATP calendar. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu’s ongoing recovery and potential comeback at the Wuhan Open add another layer of anticipation for Asian tennis fans. With Sky Sports covering both tournaments extensively, tennis enthusiasts have ample opportunity to follow the action and witness whether Djokovic can reclaim his former glory on the hard courts of the National Tennis Centre.