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 from the event. The Serbian star, now 39, has experienced a turbulent start to the season. After a stunning upset at the US Open, where he fell in the opening round to Argentina’s Mariano Navone, Djokovic’s world ranking slipped to as low as No.
12. That loss was particularly shocking because it was the first time he had been eliminated in the first round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, a streak that had spanned more than a decade.
The US Open defeat followed an earlier disappointment at Roland Garros, where he exited in the third round in May. Those two lackluster Grand Slam performances bookended a more promising run at Wimbledon, where Djokovic reached the semifinals before being dispatched in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. Despite the semifinal appearance, the Serbian’s overall form this year has been inconsistent, and he has not captured a major title since his 2023 triumph, meaning he has now gone three full calendar years without adding another Grand Slam trophy to his collection. Returning to the ATP 500 competition in Beijing carries special significance for Djokovic.
He has won the China Open six times, with his most recent victory coming in 2015. Last year’s champion was Jannik Sinner, but the Italian is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the draw for other contenders. Djokovic’s own comments on social media reflected his enthusiasm about the comeback: "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 in an Instagram story on Wednesday. The announcement of Djokovic’s return comes alongside other notable news from the tennis world.
British talent Emma Raducanu, who has been struggling with a stress fracture in her leg, announced that she will withdraw from this month’s China Open and will not be back on court until at least October. Raducanu has not competed since losing the Queen’s Club final in June, a setback that forced her to miss both Wimbledon and the US Open. She recently posted a video from London’s National Tennis Centre showing her back in training, and she may aim to make her comeback at the Wuhan Open, slated to begin on October 12 and also broadcast on Sky Sports. In addition to the player updates, Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to its US Open coverage, guaranteeing live broadcasts of the tournament through the end of 2030.
The network also highlighted recent headlines from the US Open circuit, including Alexander Zverev’s claim that he is currently the world’s best player, his victory over Ben Shelton in the final, and various match‑day updates and analysis. Djokovic’s participation in Beijing is expected to boost the tournament’s profile, especially given his storied history at the venue and the current absence of Sinner. Fans can anticipate high‑quality tennis, potential upsets, and the chance to see whether the Serbian can rediscover the form that once made him the dominant force on the ATP Tour. His presence also adds a narrative of redemption, as he seeks to climb back up the rankings after a season that has tested his resilience.
For viewers, the China Open will be accessible via Sky Sports’ traditional broadcast channels as well as streaming options through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, which do not require a long‑term contract. The tournament will also be part of a broader slate of tennis events on Sky Sports, including the Laver Cup, which will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25 to 27. Overall, the upcoming China Open promises a blend of seasoned champions, rising stars, and compelling storylines.
Novak Djokovic’s return after more than a decade, Emma Raducanu’s ongoing recovery, and the broader context of a shifting competitive landscape all contribute to what should be an engaging week of tennis for fans worldwide.