Novak Djokovic has officially announced his participation in this year’s China Open, a tournament scheduled from September 30 to October 6 that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This marks a notable comeback to the Asian event after a gap of more than a decade, the last time he competed in Beijing being back in 2015. The 39‑year‑old Serbian star has endured a turbulent start to the season, slipping as low as world No.
12 after a startling first‑round loss to Argentine qualifier Mariano Navone at the US Open. That upset followed a disappointing third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, creating a pattern of underwhelming Grand Slam results that bookended an otherwise solid run to the Wimbledon semifinals, where he was outclassed in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s Grand Slam drought has now stretched to three full calendar years, his most recent major triumph coming at the 2023 US Open. Despite the recent setbacks, the Serbian remains a six‑time champion of the ATP 500 Beijing tournament, a venue he has historically loved for its modern facilities and enthusiastic crowds.
Last year’s title was claimed by Sinner, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the field for Djokovic to make a strong statement on his return. The loss to Navone in New York was especially significant because it represented the first time Djokovic had been eliminated in the opening round of a major since the 2006 Australian Open, underscoring the rarity of such an early exit for the former world No. 1.
In response to the news of his comeback, Djokovic posted an Instagram story on Wednesday, 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 enthusiasm suggests he views the Beijing event as a chance to regain confidence and momentum ahead of the final stretch of the season. The China Open will be a focal point for tennis fans on Sky Sports, which recently secured a three‑year extension to continue broadcasting the US Open through 2030.
The network’s commitment to high‑profile tennis coverage also includes live streams of other marquee events, such as the Laver Cup at London’s O2 Arena from September 25‑27. While Djokovic prepares for his Beijing campaign, other notable stories have emerged from the same week. British rising star Emma Raducanu announced her withdrawal from the China Open, confirming that she will not return to competitive play until at least October. Raducanu has been absent from the tour since a 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 posted video footage from London’s National Tennis Centre, indicating that she has resumed training and may target the Wuhan Open, which begins on October 12 and will also be shown live on Sky Sports. The broader tennis landscape continues to generate headlines. Alexander Zverev, the current world No.
1, has publicly asserted his dominance, warning rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz that he considers himself the best player in the world at the moment. Zverev’s confidence was on display at the US Open, where he defeated Ben Shelton in a four‑set final to claim the title, ending Shelton’s promising run and American hopes for a home‑grown champion. Meanwhile, Sinner, despite his recent injury, remains a formidable opponent and a potential challenger for Djokovic when the two eventually meet on court.
For viewers who prefer streaming without a long‑term contract, Sky Sports offers the NOW platform and its dedicated app, providing flexible access to live tennis action, including the China Open, the US Open, and the upcoming Laver Cup. The network’s extensive coverage ensures that fans can follow every twist and turn of the season, from Grand Slam drama to ATP 500 battles. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s decision to return to the China Open after an eleven‑year gap adds a compelling narrative to a season already filled with surprises and comebacks.
His participation not only boosts the tournament’s profile but also gives him a valuable opportunity to test his form against a strong field in a venue he respects. As the event approaches, anticipation builds among fans and analysts alike, all eager to see whether Djokovic can translate his excitement and preparation into a deep run, possibly rekindling the championship spark that has defined his illustrious career.