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 participation marks his first appearance at the Beijing tournament since 2015, ending an eleven‑year gap. The 39‑year‑old Serbian star has experienced a turbulent start to the season. After a stunning upset in the first round of the US Open, where he was beaten by Argentina’s Mariano Navone, Djokovic’s world ranking slipped to as low as No.
12. That loss followed a disappointing third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, meaning he has endured two lackluster Grand Slam performances in quick succession, bookended only by a run to the Wimbledon semi‑finals where he was dispatched in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. Djokovic’s Grand Slam trophy cabinet has remained untouched since his 2023 victory, leaving him three full calendar years without a major title. The Beijing event, an ATP 500 competition, has historically been a stronghold for him – he has lifted the trophy six times, the most recent triumph coming in 2015.
Last year’s champion was Jannik Sinner, but he will miss the tournament due to a knee injury, opening the draw for a potential deep run by the Serbian. The defeat to Navone in New York was particularly notable because it represented the first time Djokovic had been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, underscoring the unusual nature of his recent form.
In response, Djokovic posted an upbeat message on Instagram, 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 optimism suggests he is eager to regain confidence on the court and to showcase his game to the Chinese audience. In related tennis news, Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to its US Open coverage, guaranteeing live broadcasts through the end of 2030. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev has been vocal about his belief that he is currently the world’s best player, issuing a challenge to both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev’s confidence was rewarded when he defeated Ben Shelton in the US Open final, clinching the title in four sets and ending the American’s hopes for a breakthrough Grand Slam win.
The US Open continues to dominate headlines, with extensive coverage of draws, schedules, results, and live commentary. The tournament’s final matches, including the showdown between Zverev and Shelton, have been streamed worldwide, providing fans with real‑time updates and in‑depth analysis. 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 return to competitive play until at least October. Raducanu has been sidelined since losing the Queen’s Club final in June, missing both Wimbledon and the US Open because of a stress fracture in her leg.
She recently posted a video from London’s National Tennis Centre, indicating that she has resumed light training. Speculation suggests she could make her comeback at the Wuhan Open, slated to begin on October 12 and also broadcast on Sky Sports. The China Open itself offers a compelling storyline this year.
With Sinner out injured and Raducanu absent, the field is wide open for a surprise champion. Djokovic, despite his recent struggles, brings a wealth of experience and a record of six titles at the venue, making him a favorite among many fans.
His participation also adds a narrative of redemption, as he looks to prove that he can still compete at the highest level and perhaps use the tournament as a springboard toward regaining his position among the sport’s elite. For viewers, Sky Sports provides multiple ways to follow the action.
The tournament can be streamed without a contract via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, offering flexibility for fans who prefer online viewing. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can catch the Laver Cup, which will be held at The O2 in London from September 25 to 27, also broadcast live on Sky Sports. This packed schedule of high‑profile events ensures that tennis lovers have plenty of elite competition to enjoy throughout the autumn months.
Overall, Djokovic’s return to Beijing symbolizes both a personal and professional turning point. After a season marked by unexpected defeats and a slide down the rankings, the Serbian hopes to rediscover the form that made him a dominant force for over a decade. Whether he can capture another title in China remains to be seen, but his presence alone adds excitement and intrigue to an already fascinating tournament.