Novak Djokovic has confirmed that his body feels "good" as he prepares to step back onto the court at this week’s China Open, following a surprising first‑round exit at the US Open. The Serbian star’s quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title was abruptly halted at Flushing Meadows just four weeks ago, when he was outlasted in a five‑set thriller by world No. 45 Argentine Mariano Navone. The match in New York proved to be a grueling test for the 39‑year‑old, who battled not only a determined opponent but also a series of physical setbacks.
Throughout the contest, Djokovic suffered from severe nausea, vomiting on multiple occasions as the humidity and heat took their toll. Despite his legendary resilience, the combination of relentless baseline exchanges and the demanding conditions forced him to concede the opening‑round encounter – a rarity for the multiple‑time champion. In fact, this loss marked his first Grand Slam opening‑round defeat since the 2006 Australian Open, ending a two‑decade streak of deep runs at the sport’s biggest events. Now, with the US Open chapter closed, Djokovic is turning his attention to the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing, a venue where he has historically thrived.
The China Open has long been a comfortable hunting ground for the Serbian, having lifted the trophy on six separate occasions. "Yeah, feeling good so far," he told reporters when asked about his readiness. "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 elaborated on his enthusiasm for returning to China, noting that his past successes on the hard courts there provide a psychological edge. "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," he added.
The Serbian will open his Beijing campaign against Portugal’s world No. 49 Nuno Borges. If both players advance, a potential quarter‑final showdown with Germany’s Alexander Zverev looms on the horizon. Zverev, who captured the US Open title earlier this season, is slated to meet Britain’s Cameron Norrie in his own first‑round match.
Djokovic’s defeat to Navone in New York had broader implications beyond the immediate disappointment. The loss caused him to slip out of the ATP Tour’s top‑10 rankings for the first time in eight years, a remarkable drop that underscored the volatility of his recent form. Moreover, his position in the Race to Turin – the points race that determines qualification for the season‑ending ATP Finals – fell to 15th, well outside the eight‑player cut‑off. This development has sparked speculation about whether the Serbian will be able to secure a spot in the prestigious year‑end event.
The China Open will represent Djokovic’s eighth tournament of the 2024 calendar, and he remains hungry for his first ATP Tour title of the season. While his Grand Slam tally continues to grow, a title on the regular tour has eluded him thus far this year, adding an extra layer of motivation as he steps onto the court in Beijing.
Beyond the immediate match‑up, the tournament offers Djokovic a chance to rebuild momentum, fine‑tune his game, and perhaps regain some of the confidence that seemed to waver after the US Open. The conditions in Beijing – typically less humid than New York and with a supportive local crowd – could provide the ideal environment for the Serbian to showcase his trademark defensive skills, precise serving, and strategic shot selection. Analysts also point out that the hard‑court surface in Beijing plays slightly faster than the US Open’s, which may suit Djokovic’s aggressive baseline play and allow him to dictate points more effectively.
His recent training reports suggest he has been focusing on improving his serve consistency and return depth, areas that could prove decisive against a versatile opponent like Borges, who is known for his solid two‑handed backhand and ability to mix up pace. If Djokovic can navigate the early rounds successfully, a potential clash with Zverev would be a marquee encounter between two of the sport’s biggest names. Zverev, fresh off his US Open triumph, would bring a powerful serve and a heavy forehand, while Djokovic would rely on his unparalleled movement, mental toughness, and experience in high‑pressure situations. Off the court, Djokovic’s team is reportedly monitoring his health closely, ensuring that any lingering issues from the US Open are addressed before he competes again.
Nutritionists, physiotherapists, and his long‑time coach Novak’s support staff have been working to optimize his recovery, aiming to keep the Serbian in peak condition throughout the Asian swing of the tour. Fans worldwide will be watching closely, eager to see whether Djokovic can bounce back from an unexpected setback and re‑establish his dominance on the ATP circuit.
The China Open not only offers a chance for a title but also serves as a critical stepping stone toward the season’s final objectives – a possible return to the top‑10, a qualification for the ATP Finals, and, of course, another Grand Slam victory at the next major. As the tournament approaches, the narrative surrounding Djokovic is one of resilience, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether he can translate his reported "good" physical feeling into on‑court success remains to be seen, but the stage is set for an intriguing chapter in his storied career. Viewers can follow the action live on Sky Sports, or stream via NOW and the Sky Sports app, ensuring that tennis enthusiasts worldwide won’t miss a moment of Djokovic’s quest for redemption in Beijing.