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 a notable return to the tournament after an eleven‑year gap, the last time the Serbian star competed in Beijing was back in 2015. The 39‑year‑old champion has experienced a turbulent start to the season, slipping as low as world No.
12 after a stunning first‑round upset at the US Open at the hands of Argentine qualifier Mariano Navone. That loss followed a disappointing third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, bookending a brief resurgence at Wimbledon where Djokovic reached the semifinals before being dispatched in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. Djokovic’s Grand Slam drought has now stretched to three full calendar years, his most recent major triumph coming at the 2023 US Open. Despite the recent setbacks, the Serbian remains a six‑time winner of the ATP 500 event in Beijing, and his participation is expected to boost the tournament’s profile considerably.
Last year’s title was claimed by Sinner, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the door for a new champion to emerge. The loss to Navone in New York was particularly significant 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 nature of his current form.
Nevertheless, the champion remains optimistic. In an Instagram story posted on Wednesday, he said, "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." In related news, Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to its US Open coverage, guaranteeing live broadcasts of the tournament through the end of 2030. The network also highlighted other headline‑making moments from the US Open, such as Alexander Zverev’s claim that he is currently the world’s best player, his victory over Ben Shelton in the final, and the ongoing rivalry with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
These storylines have kept tennis fans engaged throughout the season. On the women’s side, Britain’s Emma Raducanu announced that she will withdraw from this month’s China Open and will not be back on court until at least October. Raducanu has been out of competition since losing the Queen’s Club final in June and subsequently missing both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg.
She posted a video from London’s National Tennis Centre showing her back in training, hinting at a possible return at the Wuhan Open on October 12, which will also be streamed live on Sky Sports. The China Open itself is an ATP 500 event that traditionally attracts a strong field, and Djokovic’s involvement is expected to elevate the competition.
With Sinner out, the draw opens up for other top players to make a deep run. Fans can look forward to high‑quality tennis on the hard courts of the National Tennis Centre, a venue praised for its modern facilities and enthusiastic crowds.
Beyond the tournament, Sky Sports continues to expand its tennis coverage. Subscribers can stream matches without a contract via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, and the network will also broadcast the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27.
These offerings provide tennis enthusiasts with a comprehensive viewing experience throughout the autumn season. Overall, Djokovic’s decision to return to Beijing after more than a decade adds a compelling narrative to an already intriguing tennis calendar. While his recent form has been inconsistent, his experience and fighting spirit suggest he could still make a significant impact.
Whether he can capture his sixth China Open title or simply use the event as a stepping stone to regain his Grand Slam momentum remains to be seen, but the anticipation among fans and commentators alike is palpable. The tournament promises to deliver exciting matches, dramatic storylines, and a showcase of some of the sport’s biggest names, all under the bright lights of Sky Sports’ live coverage.