Summary
Novak Djokovic says he is encouraged by how his body is responding ahead of the China Open 2026. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is back in action for the first time since his shock first-round exit at the US Open. The Djokovic return to Beijing comes after an 11-year absence and after recent fitness concerns.
Background: A Difficult Season and a Rare Schedule Choice
The Djokovic China Open story begins in New York. Novak Djokovic lost his US Open opening match to Argentina’s Mariano Navone, a result that stunned the tennis world. It was his first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, and it dropped him to No. 12 in the ATP rankings.
That loss capped a mixed Grand Slam season. Djokovic reached the Australian Open final, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz. He then went out in five sets to João Fonseca in the third round at Roland Garros, and Jannik Sinner beat him in straight sets in the Wimbledon semi-final.
At 39, Djokovic has become very selective about his schedule, so every tournament he adds carries meaning. The ATP 500 event in Beijing is not a Grand Slam or a Masters 1000, yet he chose to enter it. His record there is a big part of the explanation.
Details: What Novak Djokovic Said Before the China Open 2026
Novak Djokovic will play the tournament for the first time since 2015. The China Open runs from September 30 to October 6 at the National Tennis Centre. Reports say he has won the title six times and has never lost a match in Beijing, a run of 29 wins.
The Serbian’s last visit ended with a final win over Rafael Nadal. Since then, the tournament’s facilities have changed a great deal. Djokovic told reporters the venue has improved a lot and remains one of the most impressive in tennis. He also recalled playing there during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Fitness is the main question mark. According to Reuters, Djokovic struggled with shoulder and back problems at the US Open and vomited midway through the match against Navone. This week he said he is pleased with how his body is reacting in training. That is a positive sign, but a competitive match is a very different test from practice.
Djokovic also said this trip is about more than nostalgia. He has spoken about wanting competitive rhythm and confidence after a hard stretch. A tournament where he has never lost offers a lower-risk place to find both.
Quotes: What Djokovic Said About Beijing
Speaking in Beijing, Djokovic said his record on Chinese soil gives him confidence. In his words, “My record speaks for itself on Chinese soil.” He added that he had always expected to come back one day and is glad it has happened this year.
When he announced his entry on Instagram, he described the National Tennis Centre as one of the nicest venues in tennis. He also spoke warmly about the support he receives from Chinese fans. He said he looks forward to that atmosphere each time he plays in the country.
Impact: Why the Djokovic Return Matters
For the tournament, the entry is a major boost. Organisers now have a six-time champion in the field alongside defending champion and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who skipped the US Open to recover from a knee injury. A possible Sinner and Djokovic storyline adds star power to an ATP 500 event.
For Djokovic, the stakes are practical. A strong week would help him rebuild confidence and climb back from No. 12 in the rankings. It would also help him prepare for the Shanghai Masters, which begins on October 7. Reports say he is on the official entry list for that event.
For the Asian tennis market, the return is also significant. Chinese fans have not seen Djokovic in Beijing for more than a decade. Strong crowds and viewership would reinforce the region’s importance to the tour.
Conclusion: What Comes Next for Novak Djokovic
The immediate question is simple: can Novak Djokovic protect his unbeaten Beijing record while managing his body? His opening match will show how well his shoulder and back are holding up. Even a rusty win would be a useful step.
If he plays well, attention will quickly turn to Shanghai and the rest of the season. If his fitness problems return, the questions about his schedule and long-term plans will grow louder. Either way, the China Open 2026 has become one of the most closely watched stops on the autumn calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Novak Djokovic playing in China Open?
Yes. Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will play the China Open 2026 in Beijing, which runs from September 30 to October 6. It will be his first appearance at the tournament since 2015, ending an absence of 11 years. He is also coming off a first-round loss at the US Open, so this will be his first event since that defeat. He has said his body is responding well, but the tournament will be the first real test of his fitness.
Did Djokovic win in China?
Yes, and often. Djokovic has won the China Open six times, and reports say he has never lost a match at the tournament, with a record of 29 wins from 29 matches. His last title there came in 2015, when he beat Rafael Nadal in the final. That record is a big reason his return is so closely watched, because a win would extend a perfect run on Chinese courts. He has also had success at the nearby Shanghai Masters in past seasons.
Who has beaten Djokovic 5 times in a row?
That description fits Jannik Sinner. Sports Illustrated reported that Sinner became only the fifth player to beat Djokovic four straight times, with the fourth win coming in the 2025 French Open semi-final. As far as I can tell, his Wimbledon 2025 semi-final win extended that run to five. Djokovic then beat Sinner at the 2026 Australian Open, before Sinner won again at Wimbledon in July. Older records also show other players, such as Marat Safin and Jiří Veselý, who beat him in a row, so the exact answer depends on which period you mean. It is worth double-checking the streak in an official ATP head-to-head record before publishing.
