Novak Djokovic has officially announced that he will take part in this year’s China Open, scheduled from September 30 to October 6, with live coverage provided by Sky Sports. This marks a notable comeback to the tournament after a gap of eleven years, during which the Serbian star has not competed in Beijing. The 39‑year‑old former world No. 1 entered the season with a string of uncharacteristic setbacks.
At the US Open he suffered a stunning first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone, a defeat that saw his ranking tumble to as low as No. 12.
That early exit followed a third‑round defeat at Roland Garros in May, meaning his Grand Slam performances this year have been below the high standards he set for himself over the past decade. The only bright spot was a run to the Wimbledon semi‑finals, where he was outplayed in straight sets by the eventual champion, Italy’s Jannik Sinner. Djokovic’s last Grand Slam triumph came in 2023, and he has now endured three full calendar years without adding another major title to his résumé. Despite the recent dip in form, his decision to return to the ATP 500 event in Beijing is significant.
He is a six‑time champion of the China Open, having lifted the trophy for the last time in 2015. The 2023 edition was won by Sinner, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the draw for a potential deep run by the Serbian veteran. The loss to Navone in New York was historically notable because it represented the first occasion since the 2006 Australian Open that Djokovic has been knocked out in the opening round of a Grand Slam.
Reflecting on his upcoming appearance, 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 enthusiasm suggests he is eager to regain confidence on a familiar court and to reconnect with the enthusiastic Asian fan base that has supported him in previous years. While the focus remains on Djokovic’s return, other news from the tennis world emerged on the same day. British breakthrough player Emma Raducanu announced that she will withdraw from the China Open, postponing her comeback until at least October.
Raducanu has been absent from competition since she fell in the Queen’s Club final in June and subsequently missed both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg. After sharing a video of herself training at London’s National Tennis Centre, she hinted that her next possible appearance could be at the Wuhan Open, scheduled for October 12 and also broadcast live on Sky Sports. The broader context of the upcoming Asian swing includes several other storylines.
Sky Sports recently secured a three‑year extension to its US Open coverage, ensuring that the tournament will continue to be shown on the network through the end of 2030. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev has been vocal in the media, claiming that he is currently the best player in the world and issuing a subtle warning to rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev’s confidence was on display as he progressed through the US Open draw, eventually defeating Ben Shelton in the final to claim the title in four sets. These developments illustrate the shifting dynamics on the men’s tour, where the traditional “Big Three” of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have largely stepped aside, leaving a new generation of talent to vie for dominance.
Djokovic’s participation in Beijing could serve as a catalyst for a resurgence, especially if he can navigate the early rounds and build momentum ahead of the season‑ending ATP Finals. The tournament’s location at the National Tennis Centre offers state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a passionate local crowd, factors that could help the Serbian champion find his rhythm again. For fans who prefer streaming, Sky Sports offers a contract‑free option through its NOW platform and the dedicated Sky Sports app, allowing viewers to watch live tennis without a traditional subscription. In addition to the China Open, the network will also broadcast the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25 to 27, providing a packed schedule of high‑profile tennis events for the upcoming weeks.
In summary, Novak Djokovic’s decision to return to the China Open after more than a decade is a headline‑grabbing development that underscores his desire to bounce back from a challenging season. While his recent results have been below his usual standards, his track record at the Beijing event—six titles to his name—suggests he has the experience and skill to make a deep run. The tournament will also be a chance for him to test his form against a field that has been reshaped by injuries and emerging contenders. With Sky Sports delivering comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms, tennis enthusiasts worldwide will be able to follow Djokovic’s journey and the broader narratives unfolding on the ATP tour as the season draws to a close.