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 his first appearance at the Beijing event in eleven years, a gap that stretches back to his last participation in 2015. The Serbian star, now 39, has endured a turbulent start to the season.
After a stunning upset at the US Open, where he fell in the opening round to Argentina’s Mariano Navone, his ranking slipped as low as No. 12 in the world. That loss was particularly shocking because it was the first time Djokovic had been eliminated in the first round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, ending a streak of more than a decade of deep runs at major tournaments.
His recent Grand Slam performances have been a mixed bag. In May, he bowed out in the third round of the French Open, a result that fell short of expectations for a player of his calibre. However, he managed to rebound at Wimbledon, advancing to the semi‑finals before being decisively beaten in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. Despite reaching the latter stages, Djokovic has not added a new Grand Slam title to his résumé since his 2023 victory, meaning he has now gone three full calendar years without winning a major.
The China Open, an ATP 500 tournament, has historically been a successful venue for Djokovic. He has claimed the title six times, with his most recent triumph coming in 2015.
Last year’s champion was Jannik Sinner, but he will miss the 2024 edition due to a knee injury, opening the draw for other contenders. Djokovic’s return to Beijing is therefore not only a nostalgic homecoming but also an opportunity to regain momentum ahead of the closing stretch of the season.
Speaking on Instagram on Wednesday, Djokovic expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event: "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 comments underscored both his appreciation for the facilities and his desire to reconnect with fans in a market that has grown increasingly important for the sport. The broader tennis calendar is also buzzing with news.
Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to continue its coverage of the US Open through the end of 2030, ensuring that major American tournaments will remain accessible to UK viewers. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev has been making headlines, issuing a bold statement that he believes he is currently the world’s best player, and subsequently defeating Ben Shelton in the US Open final to claim the title in four sets.
In a related development, British rising star Emma Raducanu announced that she will withdraw from the China Open, citing ongoing recovery from a stress fracture in her leg that forced her out of Wimbledon and the US Open. The 23‑year‑old last competed in the Queen’s Club final in June and has only recently resumed light training, sharing a video from London’s National Tennis Centre. Raducanu’s next possible appearance could be at the Wuhan Open, slated to begin on October 12 and also broadcast on Sky Sports. The upcoming Beijing tournament will therefore feature a compelling mix of narratives: Djokovic’s attempt to rediscover his winning form, Sinner’s absence creating a vacuum at the top of the draw, and the broader storylines of player health and scheduling that dominate the sport’s off‑court discourse.
Fans can look forward to high‑quality tennis action, with Sky Sports providing live coverage, commentary, and analysis throughout the week. For those who prefer streaming, the matches are also available without a contract via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, offering flexible viewing options. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, another event that will be aired live on Sky Sports, further highlighting the network’s comprehensive tennis portfolio.
Overall, Djokovic’s return to the China Open is more than a simple schedule entry; it represents a pivotal moment in his campaign to re‑establish himself among the sport’s elite after a challenging start to the year. With a historic venue, a strong broadcast partner, and a field eager to capitalize on his absence, the tournament promises to deliver drama, high‑stakes matches, and perhaps a glimpse of the former world No.
1 reclaiming his place at the top of the game.