Novak Djokovic has expressed 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 exit at the US Open. The Serbian star’s quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title was abruptly halted at Flushing Meadows just four weeks ago when he was outplayed in a five‑set duel by world No. 45 Mariano Navone.
During that New York match, Djokovic struggled with a range of physical issues on a humid day, even vomiting several times as the contest wore on. The loss marked the first time he had been eliminated in the opening round of a major since his early‑career defeat at the 2006 Australian Open, underscoring how rare such an early exit has become for the former world No.
1. Now, back on the Asian swing, Djokovic returns to a venue that has historically been a fertile hunting ground for him. The China Open in Beijing has yielded six titles for the Serbian, and his familiarity with the conditions there adds a psychological edge. "Yeah, feeling good so far," he told reporters when asked about his readiness.
"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 went on to stress his enthusiasm for the tournament, noting that his record on Chinese soil gives him a boost of confidence that he values highly.
"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 added. The last time he competed in Beijing was in 2015, when he captured his most recent title at the event.
This year, he will open his campaign against Portugal’s world No. 49 Nuno Borges.
Should both players advance, a quarter‑final showdown with Alexander Zverev could be on the cards. Zverev, the reigning US Open champion, will start his own China Open journey against Britain’s Cameron Norrie. Djokovic’s defeat to Navone also had broader implications for his ranking.
The loss saw him fall out of the ATP Tour’s top ten for the first time in eight years, and it placed his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in jeopardy. He slipped out of the top eight in the Race to Turin, dropping to 15th place, meaning he must now rely on strong performances in the remaining events to secure a spot in the season‑ending championship.
The China Open will be Djokovic’s eighth tournament of the calendar year, and he is still searching for his first ATP Tour title of the season. While his Grand Slam tally remains impressive, a title on the regular tour would help rebuild momentum and confidence after the disappointment in New York.
Beyond the immediate matchups, Djokovic’s return to Beijing highlights a broader narrative in his 2024 campaign. After a year that has seen a mixture of highs and lows—early‑season successes, a deep run at the Australian Open, and a surprising early exit at the US Open—he is now looking to re‑establish his rhythm on the hard courts of Asia.
The Beijing crowd, accustomed to his dominant displays, will likely provide a supportive atmosphere, which could prove crucial as he seeks to regain his top‑form. In addition to the on‑court considerations, Djokovic has spoken about his overall health regimen.
He has been working closely with his physiotherapy team to manage the wear and tear that comes with a grueling schedule, especially as he approaches the latter stages of his career at 39. The emphasis on recovery, nutrition, and tailored training sessions has been a cornerstone of his approach, and he believes these measures are paying off, as reflected in his comment about feeling good. Looking ahead, the Serbian’s path in Beijing could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
A deep run, or even a title, would not only boost his ranking points but also reinforce his status as a contender for the year‑end ATP Finals. Conversely, an early stumble could further complicate his qualification hopes and add pressure to his upcoming events. Fans worldwide will be watching closely, not only for the quality of tennis but also for the narrative of resilience and adaptation that Djokovic embodies. His ability to bounce back from setbacks, adjust his game, and maintain a competitive edge despite advancing age continues to inspire both supporters and critics alike.
Whether he can translate his confidence and physical readiness into on‑court success in Beijing remains to be seen, but the message from the Serbian champion is clear: he feels fit, he feels motivated, and he is eager to add another chapter to his storied career at the China Open.