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 a surprising first‑round defeat at the US Open. The Serbian star, who was chasing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, saw his campaign at Flushing Meadows abruptly halted four weeks ago when he was outlasted in a five‑set battle by world No. 45 Mariano Navone.
During that New York match, Djokovic wrestled with a range of physical issues, including multiple bouts of vomiting on a humid afternoon, which underscored how taxing the conditions had become for the 39‑year‑old. The loss marked the first time since the 2006 Australian Open that Djokovic had been knocked out in the opening round of a major tournament, a statistic that highlighted the rarity of such an early exit for the multiple‑time champion. Now, Djokovic is turning his attention to the China Open, a venue that has historically served as a fertile hunting ground for him. Over the years he has lifted the trophy in Beijing on six occasions, cementing a legacy of success on Chinese soil.
When asked about his readiness, the Serbian responded, "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 added, "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." These comments reflect a blend of cautious optimism and the familiar self‑assurance that has characterized his approach to competition throughout his career.
Djokovic has not competed in Beijing since his most recent title there in 2015, making this return a notable milestone after an eleven‑year hiatus from the event. His first opponent in the draw will be Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who sits at world No. 49. Should both players advance, Djokovic could find himself facing Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the quarter‑finals, a matchup that would pit two of the sport’s most experienced competitors against each other.
Zverev, who captured the US Open title earlier this season, will open his own campaign against Britain’s Cameron Norrie. The defeat to Navone in New York had broader implications for Djokovic’s standing on the ATP Tour. The loss caused him to slip out of the top‑10 rankings for the first time in eight years, a significant shift given his long‑standing presence among the sport’s elite. Moreover, his ranking drop placed him outside the top eight in the Race to Turin, jeopardizing his qualification for the ATP Finals and leaving him at 15th in the race for those coveted year‑end spots.
As the Chinese capital prepares to host the tournament, Djokovic will be making his eighth appearance on the 2024 calendar. Despite his impressive resume, the Serbian is still hunting for his first ATP Tour title of the season, a goal that adds an extra layer of motivation to his already ambitious agenda. The combination of a familiar environment, a supportive crowd, and his proven track record on these courts could provide the catalyst he needs to rediscover his winning form. Beyond the immediate matchups, Djokovic’s presence in Beijing carries symbolic weight.
His success in China over the past decade has not only bolstered his personal trophy cabinet but also helped raise the profile of tennis in the region. Fans in Beijing have come to expect high‑quality tennis whenever the world No. 1 steps onto the court, and his return is likely to generate significant local excitement and media coverage. From a broader perspective, Djokovic’s journey this season illustrates the volatility that even the most dominant athletes can experience.
After a year that began with high expectations and a push for a historic Grand Slam tally, the early US Open exit forced a reevaluation of his physical preparation and mental resilience. Yet his statements about feeling good and his eagerness to compete in China suggest a player who is actively addressing those challenges and looking to rebuild momentum. If Djokovic can translate his stated physical wellbeing into on‑court performance, the China Open could serve as a springboard for a late‑season resurgence. A deep run in Beijing would not only add another title to his illustrious career but also improve his ranking points, potentially reviving his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin.
Conversely, an early loss could further complicate his season’s narrative, underscoring the fine margins that separate triumph from disappointment at the highest level of the sport. Regardless of the outcome, tennis enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely as the Serbian legend seeks to reaffirm his status among the game's greats. The combination of his storied past in China, his current physical confidence, and the high stakes of the ATP ranking race ensures that the upcoming matches will be closely contested and highly compelling.
Fans can tune in to live broadcasts on Sky Sports, stream via NOW, or follow the action through the Sky Sports app to witness whether Djokovic can convert his optimism into tangible success on the Beijing hard courts.