Novak Djokovic has officially announced his participation in this year’s China Open, which will be staged from September 30 to October 6 and broadcast live on Sky Sports. This marks a notable comeback 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 to No. 12 after a stunning first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open. That upset followed an early exit in the third round of the French Open in May, bookending a relatively modest Grand Slam campaign that also included a semi‑final run at Wimbledon, where he was convincingly beaten in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s trophy cabinet has remained untouched since his 2023 triumph, meaning he has endured three full calendar years without adding another Grand Slam title. Nevertheless, his record at the ATP 500 event in Beijing is impressive: he has lifted the trophy six times, a testament to his affinity for the venue and its playing conditions.
Last year’s champion was Sinner, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the door for Djokovic to make a strong statement upon his return. The loss to Navone in New York was historically significant for the Serbian, as it represented the first occasion since the 2006 Australian Open that Djokovic fell in the opening round of a major. Reflecting on his upcoming appearance, Djokovic shared an enthusiastic Instagram story, 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 underscore both his eagerness to compete and his appreciation for the facilities in Beijing.
In related news, Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to continue its coverage of the US Open through the end of 2030, ensuring that tennis fans will have uninterrupted access to the sport’s biggest stages. Meanwhile, the US Open narrative continues to evolve, with Alexander Zverev issuing a bold claim that he is currently the world’s best player, while also issuing a warning to rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev later fulfilled his own hype by defeating Ben Shelton in the final, capturing the title in four sets and cementing his position at the top of the rankings.
The tournament’s schedule, draws, and live results are being closely followed, with Sky Sports providing comprehensive coverage, including live scores, commentary, and in‑depth analysis from New York’s Flushing Meadows. Fans can also stay up‑to‑date with the ongoing drama surrounding emerging talents and seasoned veterans alike. On a different front, British player Emma Raducanu announced her withdrawal from this month’s China Open, indicating that she will not return to competitive play until at least October.
Raducanu has been absent from the tour since her defeat in the Queen’s Club final in June, missing both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg. The 23‑year‑old has recently posted video footage of herself training at London’s National Tennis Centre, suggesting a gradual comeback is underway. Analysts speculate that she could make her return at the Wuhan Open, scheduled to begin on October 12, with the event also set to be streamed live on Sky Sports. For tennis enthusiasts seeking flexible viewing options, Sky Sports now offers a contract‑free streaming service via the NOW platform and its own Sky Sports App, allowing fans to watch live matches, including the Laver Cup, which will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25 to 27.
This expanded digital footprint ensures that audiences worldwide can follow the sport without the constraints of traditional broadcast packages. Overall, Djokovic’s decision to rejoin the China Open field adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling autumn tennis calendar. His past success at the venue, combined with his recent struggles and the broader narrative of a shifting competitive landscape, promises a tournament rich in storylines and high‑stakes matches.
As the weeks progress, fans will be watching closely to see whether the Serbian champion can rediscover his winning form and perhaps set the stage for a resurgence as the season draws to a close.