Novak Djokovic has officially announced his participation in this year’s China Open, scheduled to run 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, the last time he competed in Beijing being back in 2015.
The Serbian star, now 39, has experienced a turbulent start to the season. After a stunning first‑round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open, his world ranking briefly fell to No. 12, a position he has not occupied since the early stages of his career.
That upset followed a third‑round exit at Roland Garros in May, bookending a semi‑final run at Wimbledon where he was decisively beaten in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner. Djokovic’s Grand Slam drought has become a talking point among tennis analysts; he has not lifted a major trophy since his 2023 triumph, meaning he has now endured three full calendar years without a Slam victory. Despite this, his record at the ATP 500 event in Beijing remains impressive, with six titles to his name.
The most recent champion, Jannik Sinner, will miss the tournament due to a knee injury, opening the draw for a potential deep run by the returning champion. The loss to Navone in New York was historically significant for Djokovic, as it represented his first opening‑round defeat at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, underscoring the unexpected challenges he has faced this year. Reflecting on his return to the National Tennis Centre, Djokovic shared 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 a desire to rediscover the form that once made him the dominant force on the tour. In related news, Sky Sports has secured a three‑year extension to broadcast the US Open through the end of 2030, ensuring continued coverage of the sport’s biggest events for British viewers.
Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev has issued a bold statement, claiming he is currently the best player in the world and warning rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Zverev’s confidence was rewarded when he defeated Ben Shelton in the US Open final, securing the title in four sets and ending Shelton’s dream run.
The US Open coverage also highlighted a series of headlines, including Zverev’s triumph, the tournament schedule, and live scores. These stories illustrate the dynamic landscape of men’s tennis as the season draws to a close. On the women’s side, Britain’s Emma Raducanu announced her withdrawal from the China Open, confirming she will not return to competitive play until at least October.
Raducanu has been sidelined since a loss in the Queen’s Club final in June, missing both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a stress fracture in her leg. She recently posted a video from London’s National Tennis Centre, showing her back in training and hinting at a possible comeback at the Wuhan Open, slated to begin on October 12 and also broadcast on Sky Sports. The China Open itself is an ATP 500 tournament that has historically attracted top talent, and Djokovic’s six‑title legacy there adds an extra layer of intrigue. His return could provide a narrative of redemption, especially if he can translate his experience into a deep run or even a title.
The event will also serve as a testing ground for other players looking to finish the season strongly before the year‑end championships. Fans can stream the matches without a contract via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, offering flexible viewing options.
In addition to the tennis action, Sky Sports will also broadcast the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, giving tennis enthusiasts a packed schedule of high‑profile events. Overall, Djokovic’s decision to compete in Beijing after more than a decade away, combined with the broader storylines of rising stars, veteran comebacks, and broadcasting developments, sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2026 tennis calendar. The tournament promises compelling matches, potential upsets, and a chance for the Serbian legend to reaffirm his place among the sport’s elite.