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’s pursuit of an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title was abruptly halted at Flushing Meadows just four weeks ago, when he was outlasted in five sets by world No. 45 Mariano Navone.
During that New York match, Djokovic grappled with a series of physical setbacks on a sweltering, humid day, even vomiting several times as the battle wore on. The loss marked the first time the 39‑year‑old had been eliminated in the opening round of a major since his early‑career stumble at the 2006 Australian Open. It was a sobering reminder that even the sport’s most dominant figures can be vulnerable to both form and fitness fluctuations. Now, turning his focus to Beijing, Djokovic returns to a venue that has historically been a fertile hunting ground for him.
The China Open, a tournament where he has hoisted the trophy six times, has long been a place where his confidence soars and his game clicks. "Yeah, feeling good so far," he told reporters, acknowledging the difference between the intensity of an official match and the relative ease of practice sessions.
"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 that his enthusiasm for the event remains undiminished.
"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 remarks underscore the mental edge that familiarity with a venue can provide, especially after a disappointing Grand Slam showing. Djokovic has not competed in Beijing since his most recent title there in 2015, making this appearance a significant milestone in his 2024 schedule. He is slated to open the tournament against Portuguese player Nuno Borges, who sits at world No.
49. A win would set up a potential quarter‑final clash with Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who, as the reigning US Open champion, will begin his own campaign against Britain’s Cameron Norrie. The ramifications of Djokovic’s New York defeat extend beyond the immediate loss. The upset caused him to slip out of the ATP Tour’s top‑10 rankings for the first time in eight years, a stark illustration 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 dropped to 15th, placing his participation in that prestigious event in jeopardy. Despite these setbacks, the Serbian remains eager to add another title to his season’s tally. The China Open will be his eighth tournament of the year, and he continues to chase his first ATP Tour victory of the 2024 calendar. While his Grand Slam ambitions were temporarily derailed, a strong showing in Beijing could serve as a springboard for a resurgence, both in confidence and ranking points.
Beyond the immediate matchups, Djokovic’s presence in China carries broader significance for the sport’s global narrative. His six‑time champion status at the event has helped elevate the tournament’s profile, attracting fans and sponsors alike. A deep run would not only reinforce his personal legacy but also underline the importance of the Asian swing in the ATP calendar, which has grown in stature over the past decade. In terms of preparation, Djokovic has reportedly focused on a balanced training regimen that emphasizes recovery, nutrition, and tailored on‑court drills designed to rebuild stamina after the taxing US Open encounter.
He has spoken about the value of listening to his body, a philosophy that has guided his longevity in a sport where injuries can quickly curtail careers. By prioritizing rest and targeted conditioning, he hopes to arrive in Beijing feeling physically robust and mentally sharp. The upcoming matches will also provide a litmus test for his tactical adjustments.
Against Navone, Djokovic struggled with consistency on his second serve and showed moments of vulnerability when forced into extended rallies. In Beijing, he will likely aim to tighten his service games, increase the aggression of his baseline play, and leverage his superior court coverage to dictate points early. Coaches and analysts will be watching closely to see how he integrates these refinements into his game plan. Fans and commentators alike are eager to see whether the Serbian can translate his positive physical outlook into tangible results on the court.
A victory in the opening round would not only restore some momentum but also send a clear message to his rivals that he remains a formidable contender, even after a surprising Grand Slam exit. As the tournament draws near, the atmosphere in Beijing is buzzing with anticipation.
The combination of Djokovic’s storied history at the venue, his recent challenges, and the high‑stakes nature of the ATP points race creates a compelling storyline. Whether he can recapture the form that once made him the most dominant player of his generation remains to be seen, but his confidence in his health and readiness suggests he is prepared to give it his all.
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 Djokovic’s attempt to rebound from disappointment and reassert his place among the sport’s elite.