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 star, who was chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam title, saw his campaign in New York abruptly halted four weeks ago when he was outlasted in five sets by world No.
45 Mariano Navone. The match in Flushing Meadows proved to be a grueling test for the 39‑year‑old, who struggled with a series of physical ailments on a humid day. Throughout the encounter Djokovic experienced multiple bouts of vomiting, a sign that his body was under considerable stress.
The defeat was particularly striking because it marked the first time since the 2006 Australian Open that Djokovic had been knocked out in the opening round of a major tournament. Now, with the Chinese capital hosting the ATP 500 event that has historically been a comfortable venue for the Serb, Djokovic is eager to regain his footing. He has claimed the China Open title six times, making the tournament something of a personal stronghold where his record on the hard courts of Beijing has consistently been impressive.
"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 added that his anticipation for the Beijing event has always been 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," he explained, emphasizing the mental boost that comes from competing in familiar surroundings where he has previously thrived. The Serbian will open his campaign against Portuguese player Nuno Borges, who is currently ranked No. 49 in the world.
Should both athletes advance, a potential quarter‑final clash with Germany’s Alexander Zverev could be on the cards. Zverev, the reigning US Open champion, will begin his own run against Britain’s Cameron Norrie.
Djokovic’s loss to Navone also had broader implications for his standing on the ATP Tour. The defeat caused him to fall out of the top ten rankings for the first time in eight years, a significant shift for a player who has dominated the sport for more than a decade.
Moreover, his position in the Race to Turin – the points race that determines qualification for the season‑ending ATP Finals – slipped to 15th, putting his participation in that prestigious event in jeopardy. The China Open will be Djokovic’s eighth tournament of the 2024 season, and he is still searching for his first ATP Tour title of the year. While he has added several deep runs to his résumé, a title has eluded him thus far, making the Beijing week an important opportunity to end the season on a high note.
Beyond the immediate stakes, the event offers Djokovic a chance to rebuild momentum ahead of the final stretch of the ATP calendar. A strong performance could help him climb back into the top eight of the Race to Turin, improving his chances of securing a spot at the ATP Finals in Turin later this year. It could also serve as a confidence catalyst, reminding both himself and his competitors of the formidable skill set that has made him one of the sport’s all‑time greats.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Serbian’s body holds up after the taxing US Open encounter. While he reported feeling good in training sessions, the transition from practice to a competitive match can reveal hidden fatigue or lingering issues. Nevertheless, his history of resilience – bouncing back from injuries and setbacks throughout his career – suggests that he possesses the mental and physical tools needed to navigate these challenges. The China Open itself has a reputation for delivering high‑quality tennis, with its indoor hard courts providing a fast yet predictable playing surface.
Over the years, the tournament has attracted a strong field, and its position in the Asian swing of the ATP calendar makes it a crucial stop for players looking to accumulate points before the season concludes. For Djokovic, the combination of a familiar environment, a supportive crowd, and the prospect of adding another title to his extensive trophy cabinet creates an enticing backdrop for a potential resurgence.
In summary, Novak Djokovic enters the Beijing tournament with optimism about his health and a clear desire to rebound from a disappointing US Open showing. His upcoming match against Nuno Borges will be the first test of his current form, and a victory could set the tone for a deeper run. With the added incentive of climbing back into the top ten and securing a place at the ATP Finals, Djokovic’s performance in China will be closely scrutinized by fans, commentators, and fellow competitors. Whether he can translate his reported good feeling into tangible results on the court remains to be seen, but the stage is set for an intriguing chapter in his storied career.