Novak Djokovic returns to China Open with unbeaten record and renewed motivation
The 39-year-old Serbian returns to Beijing after a shock first-round exit at the US Open, hoping to rediscover form on a surface where he has never lost, ahead of the ATP Finals qualification battle.
Novak Djokovic is back at the China Open in Beijing for the first time since 2015, saying his body is "feeling good" and that his history of success in China gives him extra confidence heading into the tournament.
A difficult stretch since the US Open
The Serbian suffered a shock first-round exit at the US Open a month ago, losing a five-set battle to world No 45 Mariano Navone. Djokovic struggled physically in humid conditions in New York, vomiting several times during the match, according to Sky Sports and TNT Sports. It was his first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open. The defeat also saw him drop out of the ATP top 10 for the first time in eight years, and he has slipped to 15th in the ATP Race to Turin standings, putting his place at the season-ending ATP Finals in doubt.
An unbeaten record in Beijing
Sources differ slightly on Djokovic's exact number of China Open titles — Sky Sports reports six, while TNT Sports says five — but they agree he has never lost a match at the event, winning all 29 matches he has played there. He claimed his first title in Beijing in 2009. "My record speaks for itself on Chinese soil. Knowing that, it also brings this dimension of confidence that I really need," Djokovic said, adding that his body has been feeling increasingly good.
Draw and outlook
Djokovic opens against Portugal's Nuno Borges, ranked No 49, and could meet US Open champion Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals if both advance. He is still searching for his first ATP title of the 2026 season, his best results so far being a runner-up finish at the Australian Open (lost to Carlos Alcaraz) and a semi-final appearance at Wimbledon (lost to Jannik Sinner). A title in Beijing would be his 102nd career trophy — behind only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103). According to Yahoo Sports, Djokovic was also struck by a cap thrown from the stands during a practice session in Beijing, though further details of the incident were not reported.
