Novak Djokovic has indicated that his body feels "good" as he prepares to step back onto the court at this week’s China Open, following a surprising first‑round loss at the US Open. The Serbian champion, who was chasing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, saw his campaign end abruptly at Flushing Meadows just four weeks ago when he was defeated in a five‑set battle by world No. 45 Mariano Navone. During that New York match, Djokovic wrestled with a range of physical ailments on a humid day, even vomiting several times as the contest wore on.

The defeat marked the first occasion since the 2006 Australian Open that the multiple‑time major winner has been knocked out in the opening round of a Grand Slam. Now, the former world No. 1 is returning to a venue that has historically been a fertile hunting ground for him – the China Open, a tournament he has lifted the trophy six times.

"Yeah, feeling good so far," Djokovic said when asked about his condition. "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 he had been looking forward to competing in Beijing, a city where his record speaks for itself. "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," he explained. Djokovic has not played in the Beijing event since his most recent title there in 2015, making this return particularly significant for both him and his fans. In the opening round, he is scheduled to meet Portuguese player Nuno Borges, who is ranked No.

49 in the world. Should both men advance, Djokovic could find himself on a potential path to face Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the quarter‑finals. Zverev, who captured the US Open title earlier this season, will open his campaign against Britain’s Cameron Norrie. The loss to Navone in New York had broader repercussions beyond the immediate disappointment.

It caused Djokovic to slip out of the ATP Tour’s top‑10 rankings for the first time in eight years, a remarkable shift given his long‑standing dominance. Moreover, the defeat placed his qualification for the season‑ending ATP Finals in jeopardy; he fell out of the top eight spots in the Race to Turin standings and currently sits 15th. The China Open will be Djokovic’s eighth tournament of the calendar year, and he is still on the hunt for his first ATP Tour title of the season.

While he has accumulated an impressive tally of Grand Slam victories, a title on the ATP Tour circuit this year has remained elusive. The Beijing event therefore offers a crucial opportunity for him to regain momentum, confidence, and valuable ranking points. Beyond the immediate competitive stakes, Djokovic’s participation in the China Open carries symbolic weight. His six previous victories in the tournament have cemented his status as a fan favourite in China, and his return after a decade-long absence is likely to generate significant local interest and media coverage.

The event also serves as a platform for him to test his physical recovery after the taxing US Open experience, where he endured not only a grueling five‑set match but also the challenges of severe humidity and gastrointestinal distress. From a broader perspective, Djokovic’s situation underscores the fine margins that can define a tennis season. A single loss, especially in the early rounds of a Grand Slam, can ripple through a player’s ranking, confidence, and qualification for prestigious year‑end championships.

For Djokovic, the task now is to translate his reported good physical condition into match wins, navigate the draw, and perhaps add another China Open title to his already impressive résumé. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether the Serbian star can rebound from his US Open setback, re‑establish his top‑10 standing, and keep his aspirations for a historic 25th major alive.

The upcoming matches in Beijing will provide a clear indicator of his form and resilience as the season progresses toward its final stages.