Novak Djokovic has indicated that his physical condition is "feeling 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 dashed at Flushing Meadows just four weeks ago when he was outplayed in a five‑set thriller by world No.
45 Mariano Navone. During that New York match, Djokovic grappled not only with a tough opponent but also with a series of physical setbacks. The 39‑year‑old experienced severe nausea, vomiting repeatedly on the humid court, and struggled to maintain his usual level of intensity. The loss marked the first time since the 2006 Australian Open that Djokovic had been eliminated in the opening round of a major tournament, a statistic that underscored the shock of his defeat.
Now, as he turns his attention to the ATP 500 event in Beijing, Djokovic appears optimistic. "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." Djokovic’s connection with the China Open runs deep. Over the years, the tournament has become something of a personal stronghold; he has lifted the trophy six times, most recently in 2015.
The familiarity of the venue, the supportive crowd, and the conditions that suit his game have all contributed to a winning formula that he hopes to replicate. "I was looking forward to coming to China, as I always have. My record speaks for itself on Chinese soil," he added, noting that his past successes provide a valuable boost of confidence.
"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." The Serbian will open his Beijing campaign against Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who is currently ranked No. 49 in the world. If both players advance, a potential quarter‑final showdown with Germany’s Alexander Zverev could be on the cards.
Zverev, who captured the US Open title earlier this summer, is slated to meet Britain’s Cameron Norrie in his own opening match. Djokovic’s loss to Navone had wider ramifications beyond the immediate disappointment.
The defeat caused him to slip out of the ATP Tour’s top‑10 rankings for the first time in eight years, a stark reminder 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 deteriorated, leaving him outside the top eight and currently sitting at 15th place. This situation adds an extra layer of urgency to his upcoming performances, as he seeks to secure enough points to re‑enter the elite eight and avoid missing the prestigious year‑end event.
The China Open will be Djokovic’s eighth tournament of the 2024 season, and he remains in pursuit of his first ATP Tour title of the year. While his Grand Slam record continues to speak for itself, the lack of a regular tour title this season has been an unusual blemish on an otherwise dominant career. A deep run in Beijing could provide both a morale boost and valuable ranking points, helping to restore his standing in the race for the ATP Finals. Beyond the immediate competitive considerations, Djokovic’s comments about his physical state are significant.
After a grueling US Open campaign that saw him battle dehydration and gastrointestinal distress, his affirmation that his body feels good suggests a successful recovery period. The Serbian has reportedly focused on rest, nutrition, and targeted physiotherapy in the weeks following New York, aiming to return to peak condition for the Asian swing of the tour. Such a regimen is critical for a player who relies heavily on endurance, flexibility, and the ability to sustain high‑intensity rallies over long matches.
The broader context of the Asian swing also offers a strategic opportunity for Djokovic. The hard‑court conditions in Beijing tend to be slower than those in North America, which can favor his defensive skills and counter‑punching style. Additionally, the time zone shift and travel schedule can affect other competitors more dramatically, potentially giving Djokovic a relative advantage if he manages his acclimatization well.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Djokovic can translate his renewed physical confidence into on‑court success. A strong showing could signal a resurgence and keep his dream of a 25th major alive, while also reinforcing his status as a perennial contender for the ATP Finals.
Conversely, an early exit would deepen the narrative of a season that has, so far, been marked by unexpected setbacks. Regardless of the outcome, Djokovic’s return to the China Open is a reminder of his resilience and his ability to bounce back from adversity. As he steps onto the court in Beijing, he carries with him the weight of past triumphs, the hope of reclaiming top‑tier form, and the determination to prove that his body, mind, and competitive spirit remain among the best in the sport.
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 once again dominate on Chinese soil.