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 marks a notable return to the tournament after an eleven‑year gap, the last time he competed in Beijing being back in 2015. The Serbian star, now 39, has experienced a turbulent start to the season.
His world ranking slipped dramatically, falling as low as No. 12 after a stunning first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open. That upset followed a disappointing third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, bookending an otherwise solid run to the Wimbledon semi‑finals where he was decisively beaten in straight sets by the eventual champion, Italy’s Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s Grand Slam drought has now stretched to three full calendar years, his last major triumph coming at the 2023 US Open. The lack of a major title has added extra pressure to his schedule, making his decision to re‑enter the ATP 500 event in Beijing all the more significant. He is a six‑time champion of the China Open, having lifted the trophy most recently in 2015. Last year’s edition was won by Jannik Sinner, who, unfortunately for the field, will miss this year’s competition due to a knee injury.
The loss to Navone in New York was historic for Djokovic, as it represented the first time he had been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open. Reflecting on his upcoming appearance, 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 is eager to regain confidence on the court and to reconnect with fans in a venue he has always praised for its atmosphere and facilities. The broader tennis calendar continues to generate headlines.
Sky Sports recently secured a three‑year extension to its US Open coverage, guaranteeing live broadcasts through the end of 2030. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev has been vocal in recent weeks, issuing a challenge to both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz while proclaiming himself the best player in the world at the moment. Zverev’s own campaign at the US Open saw him defeat Ben Shelton in four sets to capture the title, a result that has reshaped the hierarchy at the top of the men’s game. In related news, Britain’s rising star Emma Raducanu has announced her withdrawal from this month’s China Open.
The 23‑year‑old has not competed since her loss in the Queen’s Club final in June, a setback that forced her to miss both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg. Raducanu recently posted video footage of herself training at London’s National Tennis Centre, indicating that she is back on the court and aiming for a comeback. The earliest she could realistically return to tournament action would be the Wuhan Open, slated to begin on October 12 and also shown live on Sky Sports. For tennis fans who prefer streaming, Sky Sports offers a contract‑free option through the NOW platform and its dedicated app, ensuring that viewers can follow the China Open, the Wuhan Open, and even the Laver Cup, which will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, all without a traditional subscription.
The inclusion of these events on multiple digital platforms reflects the growing demand for flexible viewing options in the sport. Overall, Djokovic’s participation in the China Open is likely to be one of the tournament’s biggest draws, providing a narrative of redemption and resilience after a challenging start to the year.
His previous six titles in Beijing give him a strong pedigree at the venue, and his presence will undoubtedly raise the competitive stakes for the field, which includes several rising talents eager to test themselves against a former world No. 1.
As the event approaches, anticipation builds not only for the on‑court battles but also for the broader storyline of a champion seeking to re‑establish his dominance on the global stage.