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 exit at the US Open. The Serbian star, who was chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam title, saw his campaign at Flushing Meadows abruptly halted four weeks ago when he was defeated in a five‑set thriller by world No.
45 Mariano Navone. During that New York match, Djokovic wrestled with a series of physical setbacks, including multiple episodes of vomiting on a humid day, which underscored the grueling nature of the encounter.
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, Djokovic returns to a venue that has historically served as a fertile hunting ground for him – the China Open in Beijing, a tournament where he has previously hoisted the trophy six times. "Yeah, feeling good so far," he told reporters, emphasizing that while practice sessions and exhibition sets differ from the intensity of an official match, his current state of health and readiness are promising.
He added, "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." These remarks highlight the mental boost he derives from his past successes in Beijing, where his dominance has been evident over the years.
Djokovic has not competed in the Beijing event since his 2015 title, making this appearance a notable return after an eleven‑year hiatus. In the opening round, he is slated to meet Portugal’s world No. 49 Nuno Borges. A win would set up a potential quarter‑final clash with Germany’s Alexander Zverev, should both players advance.
Zverev, who captured the US Open title earlier this season, will open his campaign against Britain’s Cameron Norrie. The defeat to Navone in New York had broader ramifications for Djokovic’s ranking. It caused him to slip out of the ATP Tour’s top ten for the first time in eight years, a significant shift for a player who has spent the majority of his career at the pinnacle of the sport.
Moreover, the loss jeopardized his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals, as he fell out of the top eight in the Race to Turin and currently sits at 15th in the standings. This week’s tournament will be Djokovic’s eighth event of the calendar year, and he remains in search of his first ATP Tour title of the season. While he has accumulated numerous Grand Slam victories, his performance on the regular tour this year has been modest, making the Beijing title an attractive target to end the season on a high note.
Beyond the immediate matchups, Djokovic’s return to China carries symbolic weight. The city has long been a backdrop for his triumphant moments, and the familiar surroundings often provide a psychological edge. Fans in Beijing have consistently shown strong support for the Serbian, creating an atmosphere that can elevate a player’s confidence.
In addition to his on‑court preparations, Djokovic has been focusing on recovery protocols, nutrition, and tailored training sessions designed to mitigate the lingering effects of the physical strain he experienced in New York. He has reportedly worked closely with his medical team to fine‑tune his regimen, ensuring that any lingering fatigue or gastrointestinal issues are addressed before the high‑stakes matches begin.
If Djokovic can translate his reported good health into performance, he could use the China Open as a springboard to rebuild momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. A deep run would not only boost his ranking points but also restore some of the confidence that seemed shaken after the US Open upset.
It would also serve as a reminder to the tennis world that, despite recent setbacks, the Serbian remains a formidable contender capable of challenging for titles on any surface. The upcoming matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available via NOW and the Sky Sports app, allowing fans worldwide to follow Djokovic’s progress in real time.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the former world No. 1 can recapture the form that made him a dominant force in the sport for over a decade, and whether his optimistic outlook about his physical condition will translate into a successful campaign in Beijing.