Novak Djokovic has officially announced his participation in this year’s China Open, scheduled to run from September 30 to October 6, with live coverage provided by Sky Sports. This marks a notable comeback to the tournament after a gap of eleven years, during which time the Serbian star has experienced a roller‑coaster of results on the ATP circuit. The 39‑year‑old former world No.
1 entered the recent US Open with a world ranking that had slipped to No. 12, a drop that followed a stunning first‑round loss to Argentine qualifier Mariano Navone. That defeat was particularly shocking because it represented Djokovic’s first opening‑round exit at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, ending a 17‑year streak of at least second‑round appearances.
Earlier in the season, Djokovic’s form had already shown signs of vulnerability. After a disappointing third‑round loss at Roland Garros in May, his performance at Wimbledon provided a brief resurgence, as he advanced to the semi‑finals. However, his hopes were dashed in a straight‑sets defeat to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, a match that underscored the rising depth of the men’s game and highlighted Djokovic’s struggle to dominate as he once did. Since his 2023 triumph, Djokovic has not captured another Grand Slam title, enduring three full calendar years without a major victory.
The combination of early exits and the emergence of younger rivals has prompted many observers to question whether his era of dominance is drawing to a close. Returning to Beijing’s ATP 500 event, Djokovic will be looking to add another trophy to his impressive résumé. He is already a six‑time champion in China, having last lifted the trophy in 2015. The most recent edition was won by Jannik Sinner, but the Italian star is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the draw for other contenders.
In a brief Instagram story posted on Wednesday, Djokovic expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming tournament. "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, signaling both his appreciation for the facilities and his desire to reconnect with Asian fans who have followed his career closely. The China Open will be a crucial opportunity for Djokovic to regain confidence and rack up valuable ranking points ahead of the season‑ending events. A strong showing could also serve as a statement to his younger competitors, demonstrating that even after a period of setbacks, he remains a formidable force on hard courts.
In related news, British rising star Emma Raducanu has announced her withdrawal from the same tournament. Raducanu, who has been absent from competition since a loss in the Queen’s Club final in June, missed both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg. She posted a video from London’s National Tennis Centre showing her back in training, hinting at a possible return at the Wuhan Open on October 12, which will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The broader context of the upcoming Asian swing includes several other storylines.
Sky Sports recently secured a three‑year extension to its US Open broadcasting rights, ensuring coverage through the end of 2030. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev has been vocal in the media, proclaiming himself the best player in the world and issuing a challenge to rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev’s confidence was on display at the US Open, where he defeated Ben Shelton in the final to claim the title in four sets, adding another chapter to his own resurgence.
Fans can also look forward to a range of additional tennis content on Sky Sports, including live streams of the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, and on‑demand access via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, which require no long‑term contract. Overall, the China Open promises to be a pivotal event for Djokovic as he seeks to re‑establish himself among the sport’s elite, while also offering a platform for emerging talents and seasoned veterans alike to showcase their skills on a global stage.
The tournament’s placement at the end of the calendar year adds extra weight, as players vie for the final boost in rankings before the off‑season, making every match a potential turning point in the ongoing narratives of the 2026 ATP tour.