Novak Djokovic has officially announced that he will take part in this year’s China Open, a tournament scheduled from September 30 to October 6 and broadcast live on Sky Sports. This marks his first appearance at the event since 2015, ending an eleven‑year gap in his ATP 500 calendar. The Serbian star, now 39, has experienced a turbulent start to the season.
After a stunning first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open, his world ranking briefly slipped to No. 12, a position he has not occupied in many years.
That upset followed a third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, meaning Djokovic endured two relatively disappointing Grand Slam outings in quick succession, bookended only by a deep run to the Wimbledon semifinals where he was convincingly beaten in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. Since his last Grand Slam triumph in 2023, Djokovic has gone three full calendar years without adding another major title to his impressive résumé.
Nevertheless, his decision to return to the Beijing venue reflects his desire to regain momentum and prove that he can still compete at the highest level. The National Tennis Centre, which hosts the China Open, is widely regarded as one of the most pleasant settings on the tour, and Djokovic expressed his enthusiasm on an 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." Historically, Djokovic has enjoyed considerable success in Beijing, having lifted the trophy six times during his previous visits.
The most recent champion before his return was Jannik Sinner, who captured the title last year but is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the draw for other contenders. Navone’s victory in New York was particularly noteworthy because it represented the first time Djokovic had been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, underscoring the unusual challenges he has faced this season.
In related news, the British newcomer Emma Raducanu announced her withdrawal from the same tournament. Raducanu, who has not competed since a loss in the Queen’s Club final in June and missed both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg, confirmed that she will not return to competitive play until at least October. She recently posted video footage of herself training at London’s National Tennis Centre, suggesting she is working toward a comeback, possibly at the Wuhan Open slated for October 12, which will also be shown live on Sky Sports.
The China Open will therefore feature a field reshaped by injuries and absences, offering a fresh landscape for players seeking to secure valuable ATP points and boost their rankings ahead of the season’s final swing. With Sinner out, the tournament is wide open for a new champion, and Djokovic’s participation adds a high‑profile storyline that will undoubtedly attract viewers worldwide. Sky Sports has also secured a three‑year extension to continue broadcasting the US Open through the end of 2030, ensuring that tennis fans can follow the sport’s biggest events without interruption.
The network’s coverage includes live scores, commentary, and in‑depth analysis, and it is also the platform for streaming other major competitions such as the Laver Cup, which will be held at The O2 in London from September 25 to 27. Overall, Djokovic’s return to Beijing signals both a personal quest for redemption and a broader narrative of resilience within the sport. After a season marked by unexpected defeats and a prolonged Grand Slam title drought, the Serbian champion appears determined to re‑establish his presence on the tour, leveraging the prestige of the China Open and the extensive reach of Sky Sports to reconnect with fans and reaffirm his status as one of tennis’s most enduring figures.