Novak Djokovic has officially announced his participation in this year’s China Open, which will be staged from September 30 to October 6 and broadcast live on Sky Sports. This entry marks his first appearance at the Beijing tournament in more than a decade, ending an 11‑year gap since his last run in 2015. The Serbian star, now 39, has experienced a turbulent start to the season.
After a stunning first‑round upset at the US Open at the hands of Argentine qualifier Mariano Navone, Djokovic’s ranking slipped to as low as No. 12 in the world. That loss followed a disappointing third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, bookending a mixed Grand Slam campaign that also featured a deep run to the Wimbledon semifinals. In London, he was dispatched in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner, a defeat that underscored the challenges he has faced in reclaiming his former dominance.
Djokovic’s last Grand Slam triumph came in 2023, and he has now endured three full calendar years without adding another major title to his résumé. Despite the recent setbacks, his decision to return to the ATP 500 event in Beijing reflects both a desire to regain confidence and a strategic move to accumulate valuable ranking points ahead of the season’s final stretch. Historically, Djokovic has enjoyed considerable success in China, having lifted the trophy six times.
The tournament, held at the National Tennis Centre – a venue he described in an Instagram story as "one of the nicest venues we have in tennis" – will provide a familiar backdrop for the Serbian champion. Last year’s champion was Jannik Sinner, but the Italian is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the draw for other contenders.
The loss to Navone in New York was particularly noteworthy because it represented the first occasion since the 2006 Australian Open that Djokovic fell in the opening round of a Grand Slam. The shock result sparked a wave of speculation about his form and fitness, prompting the champion to reaffirm his commitment to the sport and his belief that he can still compete at the highest level. In addition to Djokovic’s news, Sky Sports confirmed a three‑year extension of its US Open coverage, securing broadcast rights through the end of 2030. The network also highlighted recent headlines from the American major, including Alexander Zverev’s claim that he is presently the world’s best player, his victory over Ben Shelton in the final, and various updates on the tournament’s schedule and results.
On a related note, British player Emma Raducanu announced her withdrawal from the China Open, citing ongoing recovery from a stress fracture in her leg. The 23‑year‑old has not competed since a loss in the Queen’s Club final in June and missed both Wimbledon and the US Open due to the injury.
Raducanu posted a video from London’s National Tennis Centre showing her back in training, suggesting a possible return at the Wuhan Open on October 12, which will also be shown live on Sky Sports. The China Open itself is a pivotal event on the ATP calendar, offering 500 ranking points to the champion and serving as a crucial preparation ground for the Asian swing that follows, including the Shanghai Masters and the season‑ending ATP Finals. For Djokovic, a strong performance in Beijing could serve as a springboard to rebuild momentum, improve his ranking, and perhaps set the stage for a late‑season resurgence.
Beyond the on‑court action, fans can enjoy a range of tennis coverage without a long‑term contract through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app. The service also includes live streaming of other marquee events, such as the Laver Cup, which will be hosted at The O2 in London from September 25 to 27, again broadcast on Sky Sports.
In summary, Novak Djokovic’s return to the China Open after an eleven‑year absence is a significant storyline for both the player and the tournament. While recent results have been mixed, his participation signals a determination to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite. With the added context of Sky Sports’ expanded tennis portfolio and the ongoing recovery of players like Emma Raducanu, the upcoming weeks promise a compelling mix of drama, comeback narratives, and high‑quality tennis for viewers worldwide.