Novak Djokovic has officially announced his participation in this year’s China Open, a tournament scheduled from September 30 to October 6 that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This marks his first appearance at the Beijing 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 surprising first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open, his world ranking slipped to as low as No. 12.
That defeat followed a third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, meaning Djokovic endured two lackluster Grand Slam outings in quick succession, bracketed by a deep run to the Wimbledon semi‑finals where he was convincingly beaten in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. Since his last major triumph in 2023, Djokovic has not captured another Grand Slam title, enduring a three‑year stretch without a major victory.
The Beijing tournament, an ATP 500 event, has been a familiar ground for him – he has lifted the trophy there six times, the most recent win coming in 2015. Last year’s champion was Sinner, but the Italian is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the draw for other contenders.
Navone’s upset in New York was historically significant: it was the first time Djokovic had fallen in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, underscoring the unusual challenges he has faced this year. Despite the setbacks, Djokovic expressed enthusiasm about returning to the National Tennis Centre, describing it as "one of the nicest venues we have in tennis" in an Instagram story posted on Wednesday.
The broader tennis landscape has been busy. Sky Sports recently secured a three‑year extension to continue its coverage of the US Open through the end of 2030, ensuring fans will see the next generation of matches on the same platform. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev has made headlines by asserting that he believes he is currently the world’s best player, a claim that sparked a subtle rivalry with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev’s own campaign at the US Open culminated in a four‑set victory over Ben Shelton, ending the American’s run and securing the title.
In related news, British rising star Emma Raducau has withdrawn from the China Open. The 23‑year‑old has been absent from competition 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. She recently posted video footage of herself training at London’s National Tennis Centre, indicating she is on the road to recovery.
Raducau’s earliest possible comeback could be at the Wuhan Open, slated to begin on October 12 and also broadcast on Sky Sports. The China Open itself promises a compelling storyline. With Sinner out injured, the field is more open, and Djokovic’s return adds a nostalgic element for fans who have followed his six previous victories in Beijing. The tournament will feature a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, all vying for valuable ATP points and a chance to finish the season on a high note.
For viewers, Sky Sports is offering flexible ways to watch the action. Subscribers can stream matches without a long‑term contract via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, providing on‑demand access to live coverage.
In addition to the China Open, Sky Sports will also broadcast the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, delivering a packed schedule of elite tennis throughout the fall. Overall, Djokovic’s decision to compete in Beijing signals his determination to regain form and confidence after a challenging start to the year.
Whether he can add another title to his impressive résumé remains to be seen, but his presence alone will undoubtedly elevate the tournament’s profile and give fans a thrilling narrative to follow as the ATP season draws to a close.