Novak Djokovic has officially announced that he will take part in this year’s China Open, a tournament scheduled to run from September 30 to October 6 and broadcast live on Sky Sports. This decision marks his first appearance at the Beijing event in more than a decade, ending an 11‑year gap since his last participation in 2015. The 39‑year‑old Serbian star has experienced 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, Djokovic’s ranking briefly slipped to No.
12 in the world. That loss was particularly shocking because it was the first time he had been eliminated in the first round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, a streak that had lasted for 16 years. His recent Grand Slam record has been a mixture of disappointment and flashes of brilliance.
In May, he was knocked out in the third round of the French Open, a tournament where he has historically excelled. The early exit was followed by a strong run at Wimbledon, where he reached the semi‑finals, only to be overpowered in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
Despite the deep run at Wimbledon, Djokovic has not lifted a Grand Slam trophy since his 2023 triumph, meaning he has now endured three full calendar years without a major title. Returning to the ATP 500 competition in Beijing carries special significance for Djokovic.
He is a six‑time champion of the China Open, having claimed the title on multiple occasions before his last appearance in 2015. The tournament was won by Jannik Sinner last year, but the Italian is currently sidelined with a knee injury, opening the field for other contenders.
Speaking to his fans via an Instagram story on Wednesday, Djokovic expressed his enthusiasm about 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," he wrote, underscoring his appreciation for the facilities and the local supporters.
The announcement comes amid a busy period for Sky Sports, which recently secured a three‑year extension to broadcast the US Open through the end of 2030. The network has also been covering a slew of high‑profile stories, including Alexander Zverev’s claim that he is the world’s best player, his clash with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, and his eventual victory over Ben Shelton in the US Open final. In addition, Sky Sports has been providing live updates, scores, and commentary from the final Grand Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows. On the same day, another British tennis figure made headlines: Emma Raducanu announced that she would withdraw from this month’s China Open and would not be back on court until at least October.
The 23‑year‑old has been absent from 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. Raducanu recently posted a video from London’s National Tennis Centre showing her back in training, hinting at a possible return at the Wuhan Open, slated for October 12 and also to be shown live on Sky Sports. Djokovic’s decision to compete in Beijing adds another layer of intrigue to the tournament’s draw, especially given the recent injuries and withdrawals that have reshaped the field. With Sinner out, the title race is wide open, and the Serbian’s experience and past success at the venue could make him a favorite once again.
Fans can look forward to seeing how he adapts his game after the recent setbacks, and whether he can rediscover the form that has made him one of the sport’s most dominant players over the past decade. For viewers, the China Open will be accessible through Sky Sports’ various platforms, including the NOW streaming service and the Sky Sports app, which require no long‑term contract. The network is also promoting other tennis events, such as the Laver Cup, which will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25 to 27 and broadcast live on Sky Sports. This comprehensive coverage ensures that tennis enthusiasts can follow all the action, from the ATP 500 showdown in Beijing to the historic Laver Cup, all from the comfort of their homes or on the go.
In summary, Novak Djokovic’s return to the China Open after an eleven‑year break is a major storyline for the tournament and for Sky Sports’ 2026 tennis calendar. His recent challenges, including a surprising early exit at the US Open and a dip in the rankings, set the stage for a potential resurgence on the hard courts of Beijing. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu’s ongoing recovery adds another narrative thread, highlighting the physical demands of the sport and the resilience required to return to elite competition. Tennis fans can anticipate an exciting week of high‑level play, dramatic storylines, and the chance to witness whether Djokovic can reclaim his place among the sport’s elite while the broadcast platform delivers seamless, contract‑free streaming for a global audience.