Novak Djokovic has indicated that his body is in a satisfactory state as he prepares to step back onto the court for this week’s China Open, following an unexpected first‑round defeat at the US Open. The Serbian star, who was chasing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, saw his campaign at Flushing Meadows abruptly halted just four weeks ago when he was outlasted in five sets by the world No.
45 Argentine, Mariano Navone. During that New York match, the 39‑year‑old champion struggled with a series of physical setbacks, including multiple episodes of vomiting as the humid conditions took their toll. The loss marked a significant moment in Djokovic’s career, as it was the first occasion since the 2006 Australian Open that he had been eliminated in the opening round of a major tournament. Now returning to a venue where he has historically thrived, Djokovic is set to compete in the China Open – a tournament that has served as something of a personal sanctuary over the years, highlighted by six title victories.
When asked about his current state, the former world No. 1 replied, “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 event remains high: “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.” This upcoming appearance will be Djokovic’s first at the Beijing tournament since his last triumph there in 2015, making the occasion both a nostalgic return and a crucial opportunity to regain momentum. In the opening round, he is slated to meet Portugal’s world No. 49, Nuno Borges. Should both players advance, a potential quarter‑final clash with Germany’s Alexander Zverev looms on the horizon.
Zverev, who captured the US Open title earlier this season, will begin his own campaign against Britain’s Cameron Norrie. The repercussions of Djokovic’s loss to Navone have extended beyond the immediate disappointment.
The defeat caused the Serbian to slip out of the ATP Tour’s top‑10 rankings for the first time in eight years, a stark indicator of how quickly fortunes can change at the elite level. Moreover, his position in the Race to Turin – the points race that determines qualification for the season‑ending ATP Finals – has also suffered, dropping him to 15th place and putting his participation in that prestigious event in jeopardy. With the China Open representing his eighth tournament of the calendar year, Djokovic is still on the hunt for his inaugural ATP Tour title of the season. While his Grand Slam résumé remains unparalleled, a title on the ATP circuit would provide a much‑needed boost to his confidence and ranking points as the season draws to a close.
Beyond the immediate competitive stakes, Djokovic’s return to China carries broader implications for his overall campaign. The Chinese capital has traditionally been a venue where he feels comfortable and successful, a factor that can influence performance in subtle ways.
The familiarity with the conditions, the support of local fans, and the knowledge of past victories all contribute to a psychological edge that many players find invaluable. In addition to his on‑court objectives, Djokovic is also focused on managing his physical health after the taxing experience in New York. The combination of high humidity, intense match play, and the stress of a five‑set battle took a noticeable toll, prompting him to prioritize recovery and conditioning.
By emphasizing proper nutrition, rest, and targeted training, he hopes to avoid similar setbacks and ensure that his body can withstand the rigors of the remaining tour events. The broader narrative of Djokovic’s season thus far reflects a mixture of highs and lows.
While his quest for a record‑breaking Grand Slam tally was halted, his resilience and determination to bounce back remain evident. The China Open offers a platform not only to showcase his skill but also to demonstrate that he can adapt, recover, and continue competing at the highest level.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether the Serbian can translate his positive physical assessment into match victories. A strong showing could reignite his push for a year‑end title and possibly secure his place among the elite eight players who qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin.
Conversely, an early exit would underscore the challenges he faces in a season that has already proven unpredictable. Regardless of the outcome, Djokovic’s presence in Beijing adds another compelling chapter to his storied career. His remarks about feeling good and his confidence in his record on Chinese courts set the tone for a tournament that could either mark a resurgence or serve as a further reminder of the fine margins that define success at the top of professional tennis.
Viewers can follow the action live on Sky Sports or stream the matches via NOW and the Sky Sports app, ensuring that tennis enthusiasts worldwide can witness whether the Serbian legend can turn the page on a recent disappointment and reclaim his place among the sport’s most dominant figures.