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 in his ATP 500 calendar. The Serbian star, now 39, has experienced a turbulent start to the season.
After a surprising first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open, his world ranking briefly slipped to No. 12, a stark contrast to the top‑spot he has occupied for much of his career.
The defeat in New York was particularly noteworthy because it was the first time Djokovic had been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam since his early exit at the 2006 Australian Open. That early‑season stumble followed a disappointing third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, which, together with the US Open loss, bookended a relatively modest run at Wimbledon.
In London, Djokovic reached the semi‑finals but was outclassed in straight sets by the eventual champion, Italy’s Jannik Sinner. The Italian, who captured the Wimbledon title, is currently sidelined with a knee injury and will not be defending his China Open crown, leaving the field more open for the Serbian veteran. Djokovic’s last Grand Slam triumph came in 2023, and he has now endured three full calendar years without adding another major to his impressive haul.
Despite the recent dip in form, his record in Beijing remains formidable. He is a six‑time champion of the China Open, having lifted the trophy most recently in 2015. The tournament, classified as an ATP 500 event, has traditionally been one of his favorite stops on the tour, thanks in part to the modern facilities at the National Tennis Centre, which he praised in a recent Instagram story: “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.” The announcement of Djokovic’s return comes alongside other notable news from the tennis world. British teenager Emma Raducanu, who captured the public’s imagination with her 2021 US Open victory, has withdrawn from the China Open.
Raducanu has not competed since a loss in the Queen’s Club final in June and missed both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg. She recently posted video footage of herself training at London’s National Tennis Centre, suggesting a possible comeback at the Wuhan Open, slated for October 12 and also set to be shown on Sky Sports. In addition to the player updates, Sky Sports confirmed a three‑year extension of its broadcasting agreement for the US Open, ensuring coverage through the end of 2030.
The network also highlighted recent headlines from the US Open, including Alexander Zverev’s claim that he is currently the world’s best player, his victory over Ben Shelton in the men’s final, and various draw, schedule, and result updates for the 2026 edition of the tournament at Flushing Meadows. For tennis fans eager to follow the action, Sky Sports offers a range of viewing options. Matches can be streamed without a long‑term contract via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, providing flexibility for viewers who prefer digital access.
Moreover, the Laver Cup will be held at The O2 in London from September 25 to 27, with live coverage also available on Sky Sports, adding another marquee event to the autumn sports calendar. Djokovic’s decision to compete in Beijing is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it signals his intent to regain momentum ahead of the season‑ending ATP Finals, where he hopes to secure valuable ranking points. Secondly, his presence adds star power to a tournament that has struggled in recent years to attract top‑ranked players, especially after Sinner’s injury withdrawal.
Finally, the Chinese market remains a crucial commercial hub for the sport, and Djokovic’s participation is likely to boost viewership and sponsorship interest. Analysts predict that Djokovic will approach the China Open with a blend of caution and ambition. While his recent form suggests he may need to fine‑tune his baseline consistency and serve accuracy, his experience on hard courts and familiarity with the Beijing conditions could give him an edge over younger opponents.
The tournament’s draw features a mix of rising talents and seasoned campaigners, offering Djokovic a chance to test his resilience against a variety of playing styles. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s confirmed entry into the 2026 China Open marks a noteworthy comeback to a venue where he has previously enjoyed considerable success.
The event, broadcast live on Sky Sports, will be an opportunity for the Serbian champion to rediscover his winning ways after a challenging start to the year. Simultaneously, the broader tennis calendar continues to evolve, with notable withdrawals, broadcasting deals, and upcoming tournaments shaping the narrative for fans worldwide.