Novak Djokovic has 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 his first appearance at the tournament since 2015, ending an eleven‑year gap.
The Serbian star, now 39, has experienced a turbulent start to the season. After a stunning upset at the US Open, where he was knocked out in the first round by Argentina’s Mariano Navone, his world ranking briefly slipped to No. 12. That loss followed a disappointing third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, meaning he endured two lackluster Grand Slam performances surrounding a strong run to the Wimbledon semi‑finals, where he was convincingly beaten in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s trophy cabinet has remained untouched since his 2023 Grand Slam victory, leaving him three full calendar years without a major title. Nevertheless, his record at the ATP 500 event in Beijing is impressive: he has claimed the crown six times, most recently in 2015.
Last year’s champion was Sinner, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the field for Djokovic to make a statement. The defeat to Navone in New York was historically significant, representing the first time Djokovic had fallen in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open. Reflecting on his upcoming return, Djokovic posted 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." 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 tennis fans will enjoy uninterrupted access to the sport’s biggest events.
Other headlines from the US Open circuit include Alexander Zverev’s confident claim that he is the world’s best player, his subsequent victory over Ben Shelton in the men’s final, and Ben Shelton’s enthusiastic anticipation of his first Grand Slam final appearance. The tournament also featured a detailed draw, schedule, and live updates for the 2026 edition at Flushing Meadows.
On the women’s side, Britain’s Emma Raducanu announced that she will withdraw from this month’s China Open and will not return to competition until at least October. Raducanu has been absent from the tour since her loss in the Queen’s Club final in June, missing both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg. She recently shared video footage of herself training at London’s National Tennis Centre, suggesting a possible comeback at the Wuhan Open on October 12, which will also be shown live on Sky Sports. The China Open itself is a key stop on the ATP calendar, offering valuable ranking points and a chance for players to fine‑tune their games ahead of the Asian swing’s concluding events.
For Djokovic, the tournament provides an opportunity to regain confidence, collect points, and perhaps add another ATP 500 title to his extensive résumé. Fans can stream the matches without a long‑term contract via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, and the network also holds broadcasting rights for the Laver Cup, which will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25‑27. This comprehensive coverage ensures that tennis enthusiasts can follow the sport across multiple venues and formats throughout the autumn season. Overall, Djokovic’s decision to return to Beijing signals his determination to bounce back from a challenging start to the year.
While his Grand Slam drought continues, the Chinese capital’s National Tennis Centre offers a supportive environment where he can showcase his skill, test his fitness, and perhaps set the stage for a resurgence as the season draws to a close.