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 the Serbian star’s first appearance at the Beijing tournament in more than a decade, the last time he competed there being back in 2015. The 39‑year‑old champion has experienced a turbulent start to the season.
After a surprising first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open, Djokovic’s ranking slipped dramatically, briefly falling to world No. 12.
That early exit in New York followed a third‑round defeat at Roland Garros in May, meaning he endured two disappointing Grand Slam outings in quick succession. The only bright spot in an otherwise uneven campaign was his run to the semi‑finals at Wimbledon, where he was ultimately overpowered in straight sets by the tournament’s eventual winner, Italy’s Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s trophy cabinet has been quiet for three full calendar years, as he has not captured a Grand Slam title since his 2023 triumph. The Beijing event, an ATP 500 tournament, offers him a chance to rebuild confidence on a surface that has historically suited his game. He is a six‑time champion in China, having lifted the trophy six times before his long break from the event.
Last year’s champion was Jannik Sinner, but the Italian will miss the tournament this time due to a knee injury, leaving the field more open for the returning Serbian. The loss to Navone in New York was particularly notable because it was the first occasion since the 2006 Australian Open that Djokovic had been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam. Reflecting on his upcoming participation, 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 comment underscores both his enthusiasm for the venue and his desire to reconnect with fans after a challenging period. In related news, the US Open will continue to be shown on Sky Sports under a three‑year extension that runs through the end of 2030.
The network also highlighted other headline stories from the US Open, including Alexander Zverev’s claim that he is currently the best player in the world, his victory over Ben Shelton in the men’s final, and Ben Shelton’s excitement about playing his first Grand Slam final against Zverev. These updates were part of a broader coverage package that also featured schedules, draws, and live scores from the final Grand Slam of the 2026 season at Flushing Meadows. On the women’s side, Britain’s Emma Raducanu announced on Wednesday that she will withdraw from this month’s China Open and will not return to competitive play until at least October. Raducanu has been sidelined since losing the Queen’s Club final in June and subsequently missing both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg.
The 23‑year‑old has recently resumed training, sharing video footage of herself working out at London’s National Tennis Centre. She is expected to make a comeback at the Wuhan Open, which begins on October 12 and will also be aired live on Sky Sports. The China Open itself is set to feature a strong field despite the absence of Sinner and Raducanu. With Djokovic’s return, the tournament gains a high‑profile storyline that could attract additional viewership.
Sky Sports will provide comprehensive coverage, including live matches, expert analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes features. Fans can also stream the action without a long‑term contract via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, ensuring flexible access to the event. Beyond the immediate excitement of Djokovic’s comeback, the tournament offers an opportunity for other players to make their mark.
Young talents from Asia and Europe are eager to test themselves against a former world number one, while seasoned veterans hope to capitalize on any potential slip‑ups from the Serbian. The Beijing National Tennis Centre, praised by Djokovic for its facilities, will host the matches, providing a modern backdrop for high‑stakes tennis. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s decision to compete at the China Open after an 11‑year gap adds a compelling narrative to the tournament’s lineup.
His recent setbacks at the US Open and French Open have placed him outside the top ten, but his experience and past success in Beijing could see him quickly regain form. Meanwhile, the broader tennis calendar continues to evolve, with Sky Sports securing long‑term broadcasting rights for major events and players like Emma Raducanu planning their returns from injury. Tennis enthusiasts can look forward to a week of intense competition, historic venues, and the possibility of witnessing a resurgence for one of the sport’s most celebrated champions.