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 event in more than a decade, ending an 11‑year gap since his last appearance in 2015.
The Serbian star, now 39, has experienced a turbulent start to the season. After a stunning upset at the US Open, where he was beaten in the first round by Argentina’s Mariano Navone, Djokovic’s world ranking briefly slipped to No. 12 – his lowest position in many years. The loss to Navone was particularly significant because it was the first time Djokovic had been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, underscoring how unusual the early exit was for a player of his calibre.
His recent Grand Slam record has been a mixture of disappointment and flashes of his former brilliance. In May, he bowed out in the third round of the French Open, an outcome that fell short of expectations for a former champion.
However, he managed to rebound at Wimbledon, where he advanced all the way to the semifinals. There, he faced Italy’s rising star Jannik Sinner, who ultimately won the tournament. Djokovic was dispatched in straight sets, highlighting the growing gap between the new generation and the veteran.
Since his last major triumph in 2023, Djokovic has not captured another Grand Slam title, enduring three full calendar years without a major victory. This drought adds pressure to his upcoming schedule, especially as he prepares to return to the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing. Historically, Djokovic has been highly successful at the China Open, having lifted the trophy six times. The most recent champion before his planned return was Jannik Sinner, who claimed the title last year but is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the draw for other contenders.
In a brief Instagram story posted on Wednesday, Djokovic expressed enthusiasm about his comeback, 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 remarks reflect both a personal desire to compete at a venue he respects and a professional aim to regain form ahead of the season’s final events. While Djokovic’s focus is on Beijing, other notable tennis news surfaced on the same day. British player Emma Raducanu announced that she will withdraw from this month’s China Open and will not be back on court until at least October. Raducanu has been absent from competition since losing the Queen’s Club final in June and missing both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg.
She recently posted a video from London’s National Tennis Centre showing her back in training, suggesting she is on the road to recovery. The next possible tournament for her could be the Wuhan Open, slated to begin on October 12 and also shown live on Sky Sports. The broader tennis calendar continues to be packed with high‑profile events.
Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to broadcast the US Open through the end of 2030, ensuring that fans can follow the final Grand Slam of the year. Recent headlines from the US Open include Alexander Zverev’s claim that he is currently the world’s best player, his subsequent victory over Ben Shelton in the men’s final, and the ongoing coverage of the tournament’s draws, schedules, and results. For viewers who prefer streaming, Sky Sports offers a contract‑free option via the NOW platform and its dedicated app, allowing fans to watch live tennis, including the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27. In summary, Djokovic’s decision to re‑enter the China Open field brings a seasoned champion back to a tournament where he has enjoyed considerable success in the past.
His recent struggles at Grand Slam events, combined with a desire to regain confidence and ranking points, set the stage for an intriguing week in Beijing. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu’s continued rehabilitation and potential return at the Wuhan Open add another storyline to the Asian swing of the tour. Tennis enthusiasts can look forward to a week of high‑stakes matches, historic venues, and the chance to see whether Djokovic can rediscover the form that once made him the dominant force of men’s tennis.