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 departure at the US Open. The Serbian star’s pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title was abruptly halted at Flushing Meadows just four weeks ago, when he was outlasted in a five‑set thriller by world No. 45 Mariano Navone.
During that match in New York, Djokovic wrestled 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 since the 2006 Australian Open that the multiple‑time champion had been eliminated in the opening round of a major tournament. Now, returning to the familiar surroundings of the China Open – a venue where he has previously claimed six titles and which many consider a personal stronghold – Djokovic expressed optimism about his current state.
"Yeah, feeling good so far," he told reporters. "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 playing in China remains high, noting that his past successes on Chinese soil provide 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," he said. Djokovic has not competed in Beijing since his most recent title there in 2015, making this appearance a return after an 11‑year hiatus. In the opening round, he is slated to meet Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who is currently ranked No.
49 in the world. Should both players advance, a potential quarter‑final clash with Germany’s Alexander Zverev could be on the cards.
Zverev, who lifted the US Open trophy this year, will open his campaign against Britain’s Cameron Norrie. The defeat to Navone not only ended Djokovic’s Grand Slam run but also caused a significant shift in his ranking. The Serbian fell out of the ATP Tour’s top ten for the first time in eight years, and his position in the Race to Turin – the qualification race for the ATP Finals – slipped to 15th, putting his participation in that prestigious year‑end event in jeopardy.
As the China Open approaches, it will be Djokovic’s eighth tournament of the season, and he remains on the hunt for his first ATP Tour title of the year. While his Grand Slam aspirations have been temporarily derailed, a strong showing in Beijing could reignite his momentum, improve his confidence, and perhaps help him climb back up the rankings.
Beyond the immediate matchups, the broader context of Djokovic’s season is worth noting. The 39‑year‑old has faced a challenging year marked by injuries, a demanding travel schedule, and the emergence of a new generation of competitors. Yet his resilience and experience have kept him competitive at the highest level.
The China Open, played on indoor hard courts, offers conditions that suit his aggressive baseline game and superb return skills. Historically, his ability to adapt quickly to the surface and climate has yielded impressive results, and he will likely aim to replicate that success.
If Djokovic can harness the confidence derived from his past triumphs in China and maintain the physical health he reports, he could use this tournament as a springboard toward regaining form ahead of the closing stages of the season, including the ATP Finals and the next Grand Slam at the Australian Open. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether his positive outlook translates into on‑court performance, and whether he can once again assert his dominance on the world stage. For viewers interested in following the action, live coverage of the ATP and WTA Tours is available on Sky Sports, with streaming options through NOW and the Sky Sports app.