Novak Djokovic has indicated that his physical condition is "feeling good" as he prepares to step back onto the court for this week’s China Open, following an unexpected first‑round loss at the US Open. The Serbian star, who was chasing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, saw his campaign at Flushing Meadows abruptly halted four weeks ago when he was defeated in a five‑set battle by world No. 45 Mariano Navone. The match in New York was a grueling affair, played under humid conditions that tested even the most resilient athletes.
Djokovic, now 39, suffered from severe nausea during the encounter, vomiting several times as the contest wore on. The physical strain was evident, and the defeat marked a historic moment for the multiple‑time champion: it was his first opening‑round loss at a major since the 2006 Australian Open, ending a remarkable streak of deep runs in Grand Slam events.
Now, Djokovic returns to the China Open, a venue that has traditionally been a stronghold for him. Over the years he has captured the title six times, turning Beijing into something of a personal sanctuary where his game often thrives.
Speaking to the press, the former world No. 1 said, "Yeah, feeling good so far. Let's see.
Obviously, it's completely different when you're playing an official match compared to practice sets or practice sessions. But so far so good." He added that his enthusiasm for the tournament remains high, noting, "I was looking forward to coming to China, as I always have. My record speaks for itself on Chinese soil.
Knowing that, it also brings this dimension of confidence that I really need. Overall, it's been really good so far with the body, the way I'm feeling and playing." Djokovic has not competed in Beijing since his most recent triumph there in 2015, making this return especially significant as he seeks to regain momentum after a challenging season. His opening‑round opponent will be Portugal’s world No.
49 Nuno Borges, a player who has shown steady progress on the ATP Tour. Should both men advance, a potential quarter‑final clash with Germany’s Alexander Zverev could be on the cards, setting up a high‑stakes encounter between two of the sport’s biggest names. Zverev, who lifted the US Open trophy this year, will open his campaign against Britain’s Cameron Norrie, adding another layer of intrigue to the early rounds of the tournament. The loss to Navone in New York had broader repercussions for Djokovic’s ranking and season objectives.
The defeat caused him to slip out of the ATP Tour’s top 10 for the first time in eight years, a stark indicator of how competitive the men’s circuit has become. Moreover, his position in the Race to Turin, which determines qualification for the prestigious ATP Finals, has fallen to 15th, putting his participation in that year‑end event in jeopardy. The China Open will be Djokovic’s eighth tournament of the year, and he is still searching for his first ATP Tour title of the season.
While his Grand Slam record remains unparalleled, the lack of a tour‑level victory this year adds pressure to perform well in Beijing. The event also offers a chance for him to test his fitness and form against a field that includes both seasoned veterans and emerging talents, providing valuable match practice ahead of the indoor season and the upcoming ATP Finals race.
Beyond the immediate competition, Djokovic’s presence in China carries commercial and promotional significance. The Chinese market has been a key component of his brand, and his repeated successes in Beijing have helped to grow tennis’s popularity across the region.
Fans in the stadium and viewers worldwide will be watching closely to see whether the Serbian can translate his confidence into a deep run, possibly reclaiming some of the ranking points and momentum lost after the US Open upset. In summary, Novak Djokovic enters the China Open with a sense of optimism about his health and performance, despite the disappointment of an early Grand Slam exit. His historical success on Chinese courts, combined with a renewed belief in his physical state, sets the stage for an intriguing tournament.
Whether he can navigate past Nuno Borges, potentially face Alexander Zverev, and secure a much‑needed title will be pivotal for his season’s narrative and his aspirations to return to the top of the ATP rankings.