Novak Djokovic has announced that his physical condition feels solid as he prepares to step back onto the court for the upcoming China Open, following an unexpected first‑round loss at the US Open. The Serbian star, who was chasing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, saw his campaign in New York come to an abrupt halt when he was defeated in a grueling five‑set battle by world number 45 Mariano Navone. The match, played under the sweltering, humid conditions of Flushing Meadows, proved especially taxing for the 39‑year‑old, who suffered multiple bouts of vomiting during the encounter.

That loss marked a historic moment for Djokovic, as it was the first time he had been eliminated in the opening round of a major since his early exit at the Australian Open back in 2006. The defeat not only ended his Grand Slam hopes for the season but also knocked him out of the ATP Tour's top‑10 rankings for the first time in eight years, sending a ripple through the tennis world.

Now, with the Chinese capital awaiting his return, Djokovic is eager to rediscover the rhythm that has made him a dominant force on the ATP circuit. The China Open, a tournament where he has previously captured six titles, has long been considered a comfortable venue for the Serbian champion. He expressed his optimism in a recent interview, stating, "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 went on to highlight his affection for the event, noting that his past successes on Chinese soil have bolstered his confidence.

"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 said. The upcoming draw pits him against Portuguese player Nuno Borges, ranked 49th in the world, in the first round.

Should both men advance, Djokovic could find himself on a potential path to meet Germany's Alexander Zverev in the quarter‑finals. Zverev, who lifted the US Open trophy this year, will open his campaign against Britain's Cameron Norrie. Beyond the immediate matchups, Djokovic's performance in Beijing carries broader implications for his season. The loss to Navone caused him to slip out of the top eight in the Race to Turin, jeopardizing his qualification for the ATP Finals.

He currently sits 15th in that race, underscoring the urgency of securing a deep run in Beijing to revive his ranking hopes. The China Open will be Djokovic's eighth tournament of the calendar year, and he remains on the hunt for his first ATP Tour title of the season.

While his recent form has been inconsistent, his experience on the Asian hard courts—characterized by relatively fast surfaces and supportive crowds—offers a promising backdrop for a resurgence. Historically, Djokovic has thrived in Beijing.

His six titles there were collected between 2013 and 2015, a period during which he also secured multiple Grand Slam victories. The familiarity with the venue, combined with his proven ability to adapt his game to the conditions, could prove decisive as he looks to rebuild momentum.

In addition to his physical preparation, Djokovic has been focusing on mental resilience. After the emotional toll of a five‑set defeat that saw him physically ill, he has spoken about the importance of resetting his mindset, emphasizing routine, recovery, and a return to the fundamentals that have defined his career.

He has also hinted at making subtle adjustments to his training regimen, incorporating more targeted conditioning work to cope with the demanding summer schedule. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether the Serbian can translate his expressed confidence into on‑court success. A strong showing in Beijing could serve as a springboard for the remainder of the season, potentially opening the door to a late‑year surge that might see him re‑enter the top‑ten and keep his hopes alive for a spot at the season‑ending ATP Finals.

For those interested in following the action, live coverage of the ATP and WTA tours is available via Sky Sports, as well as streaming options through NOW and the Sky Sports app. The anticipation builds as the tennis world awaits whether Djokovic can turn the page on a disappointing US Open and re‑establish himself as a dominant force on the Asian swing of the tour.