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 champion, who was chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam title, saw his aspirations shattered at Flushing Meadows just four weeks ago when he was outplayed in five sets by world No. 45 Mariano Navone.
The match in New York was a grueling affair for the 39‑year‑old, who struggled with physical discomfort throughout the encounter, even vomiting several times as the humidity rose. This defeat marked the first time Djokovic had been eliminated in the opening round of a major since his loss at the Australian Open in 2006, underscoring the rarity of such an early exit for the multiple‑time champion.
Now, Djokovic is turning his attention to the China Open, a tournament that has historically served as a comfortable hunting ground for him. Over the years, he has captured the Beijing title six times, establishing a strong record on Chinese soil. "Yeah, feeling good so far," he told reporters when asked about his condition. "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." Djokovic has not competed in Beijing since his 2015 title run, making this appearance a significant return after a decade-long hiatus.
In the opening round, he is slated to meet Portuguese player Nuno Borges, who is currently ranked No. 49 in the world.
Should both athletes advance, a potential quarter‑final clash with Alexander Zverev could be on the horizon, adding further intrigue to the draw. Zverev, the reigning US Open champion, will open his campaign against Britain’s Cameron Norrie. The loss to Navone also had broader implications for Djokovic’s standing on the ATP Tour. The defeat caused him to slip out of the top ten rankings for the first time in eight years, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional tennis.
Moreover, his position in the Race to Turin – the points race that determines qualification for the ATP Finals – fell to 15th, putting his participation in that season‑ending event in jeopardy. As the Chinese capital prepares to host the tournament, Djokovic is set to play his eighth event of the year, still on the hunt for his first ATP Tour title of the season. While his Grand Slam tally remains unparalleled, a victory in Beijing would not only add another trophy to his cabinet but also serve as a confidence booster ahead of the upcoming indoor hard‑court swing and the critical ATP Finals qualification battle.
The China Open, held at the iconic National Tennis Center, offers a unique blend of high‑altitude conditions and a supportive crowd that has historically favored Djokovic’s aggressive baseline game and exceptional return skills. Analysts suggest that his familiarity with the venue, combined with his recent focus on recovery and conditioning, could enable him to navigate the early rounds with relative ease. However, the depth of the field – featuring rising talents and seasoned veterans – means that any lapse in concentration could prove costly. Beyond the immediate competition, Djokovic’s participation in Beijing carries symbolic weight.
After a season marked by unexpected setbacks, including the US Open disappointment and a dip in his ranking, the Serbian star is eager to reaffirm his status as a dominant force on the tour. A strong showing in China could signal a resurgence, potentially reigniting his quest for that elusive 25th major and restoring his position among the sport’s elite. Fans worldwide will be watching closely, as the tournament also offers live coverage through Sky Sports and streaming options via NOW and the Sky Sports app.
The anticipation surrounding Djokovic’s return adds an extra layer of excitement to an already prestigious event, promising compelling tennis action and the possibility of witnessing a champion’s comeback narrative unfold on the Asian stage.