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 an unexpected first‑round exit at the US Open. The Serbian star, who was chasing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, saw his campaign in New York come to a sudden halt four weeks ago when world No. 45 Mariano Navone defeated him in a grueling five‑set battle. The match in Flushing Meadows was a test of endurance as much as skill.
Djokovic, now 39, struggled with physical discomfort throughout the encounter, even vomiting several times under the humid conditions that often plague the US Open. The loss was particularly striking because it marked the first time the multiple‑time champion had been knocked out in the opening round of a major since his early‑career defeat at the 2006 Australian Open. Now, turning his attention to Beijing, Djokovic returns to a venue that has historically served as a fertile hunting ground for his talent.
The China Open has been a tournament where he has thrived, capturing the title six times over the years. Speaking to the media, the former world No. 1 said, "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 the prospect of competing in China had always excited him, noting that his record on Chinese courts provides a significant confidence boost. "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 explained. This will be Djokovic’s first appearance at the Beijing event since his last triumph there in 2015.
He is slated to open the tournament against 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 secured the US Open title earlier this season, will open his own campaign against Britain’s Cameron Norrie. The repercussions of the Navone upset extend beyond the immediate disappointment in New York. Djokovic’s defeat caused him to slip out of the ATP Tour’s top‑10 rankings for the first time in eight years, a significant shift in his long‑standing dominance.
Moreover, his position in the Race to Turin – the points race that determines qualification for the season‑ending ATP Finals – has fallen to 15th, putting his participation in that prestigious event in jeopardy. The China Open represents Djokovic’s eighth tournament of the 2024 calendar year. Despite a solid start to the season, he has yet to secure his first ATP Tour title of the year, making the Beijing week a crucial opportunity to regain momentum and add another trophy to his extensive collection.
Beyond the immediate matchups, the tournament offers a broader narrative about resilience and adaptation. Djokovic’s ability to recover from a physically taxing loss, manage lingering health concerns, and re‑enter competition with a positive outlook speaks to his professionalism and experience. The Chinese crowd, accustomed to witnessing his high‑level play, will likely provide an encouraging atmosphere that could help him rediscover the rhythm that has made him a dominant force on the tour.
Analysts also point out that the transition from the hard courts of the US Open to the indoor hard courts of Beijing presents a tactical shift. The controlled indoor environment eliminates the weather variables that plagued Djokovic in New York, potentially allowing him to showcase a more fluid, aggressive style of tennis.
His preparation in practice sessions will be crucial, as he seeks to fine‑tune his serve, return, and baseline consistency. If Djokovic can translate his reported good physical condition into on‑court performance, he could not only advance deep into the China Open but also send a clear signal to his rivals that he remains a formidable contender for the remaining major titles of the season.
A strong showing in Beijing could also improve his ranking points, enhancing his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. Fans worldwide will be watching closely, eager to see whether the Serbian champion can rebound from his US Open disappointment and reaffirm his status among the sport’s elite.
The combination of his proven track record in China, the confidence derived from past successes, and his expressed optimism about his health sets the stage for an intriguing tournament narrative. The China Open matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app, ensuring that tennis enthusiasts can follow Djokovic’s progress and the broader excitement of the event in real time.