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 Beijing event since 2015, ending an eleven‑year gap in his participation. The Serbian star, now 39, has endured a turbulent start to the season.
After a surprising first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open, his world ranking slipped as low as No. 12.
The defeat in New York was particularly striking because it was the first time Djokovic had been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam since his early‑career exit at the 2006 Australian Open. The Navone upset followed a series of underwhelming performances in the other majors. In May, Djokovic bowed out in the third round of the French Open, and although he managed to reach the semifinals at Wimbledon, he was dispatched in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. Since his last Grand Slam triumph in 2023, the Serbian has not added another major title to his résumé, enduring three full calendar years without a championship.
When he returns to the ATP 500 competition in Beijing, Djokovic will be looking to add another trophy to his impressive tally – he is already a six‑time champion of the event, having last lifted the trophy in 2015. The most recent champion, Jannik Sinner, will not be defending his title this year due to a knee injury that has forced him out of the draw. Speaking to his followers on Instagram, Djokovic expressed genuine enthusiasm about the upcoming appearance. "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 a story posted on Wednesday.
His comments suggest a desire to reconnect with fans in China and to make the most of the high‑quality facilities that the National Tennis Centre offers. In related news, the British prospect Emma Raducanu has announced her withdrawal from the same tournament. Raducanu, who has been sidelined since a stress fracture forced her out of the Queen’s Club final in June, will not return to competitive play until at least October.
She missed both Wimbledon and the US Open while focusing on recovery, but recently posted video footage of herself training at London’s National Tennis Centre, hinting at a possible comeback at the Wuhan Open on October 12, which will also be shown live on Sky Sports. The China Open will be part of a broader slate of tennis coverage on Sky Sports, which recently secured a three‑year extension to broadcast the US Open through the end of 2030.
The network’s schedule also includes live streams of the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, as well as on‑demand access via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, allowing fans to watch matches without a traditional contract. Djokovic’s participation adds a significant narrative thread to the tournament. As a former world No. 1 and a player who has amassed 24 Grand Slam titles over his career, his presence in Beijing is likely to draw considerable attention, both from local supporters and the global tennis community.
While his recent form has been inconsistent, his experience and tactical acumen make him a perennial threat, especially on the hard courts that characterize the China Open. The event itself has a rich history within the ATP 500 circuit, often serving as a platform for top players to fine‑tune their games ahead of the Asian swing’s concluding events. In recent years, the tournament has attracted a mix of established stars and rising talents, providing a competitive field that can test any participant’s readiness for the season’s final stretch.
For Djokovic, the Beijing stop offers a chance to regain momentum after a series of setbacks. A strong performance could boost his confidence heading into the remaining ATP events, including the upcoming Wuhan Open and the season‑ending ATP Finals.
Conversely, an early exit would underscore the challenges he faces as he strives to return to the summit of men’s tennis. Fans can look forward to a week of high‑stakes tennis, with Sky Sports delivering comprehensive coverage, including live match streams, expert analysis, and post‑match interviews. The network’s commitment to showcasing the sport across multiple platforms ensures that viewers worldwide can stay engaged with every rally, set, and breakthrough. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s confirmed entry into the 2026 China Open marks a notable comeback to a tournament he has dominated in the past.
While his recent results have been mixed, his determination to perform at the National Tennis Centre signals a renewed focus on reclaiming his status among the elite. Alongside other headline stories – such as Emma Raducanu’s recovery timeline and Sky Sports’ expanded tennis portfolio – the Beijing event promises to be a compelling chapter in the 2026 tennis calendar.