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Novak Djokovic Makes Long-Awaited Return to the China Open
By Drooid · · How we work
Beijing Return After a Year-Long Hiatus
Novak Djokovic, the 39-year-old former world No. 1, will step onto the court for his first competitive match since the US Open defeat scheduled for August 30. The opening round in Beijing pits him against Portugal’s Nuno Borges on Wednesday, marking his first appearance at the ATP 500 event in more than a decade.
Recent Form and Health Update
Djokovic’s schedule this season has been limited to seven tour-level events, yielding a 14-win, 7-loss record. Highlights include a runner-up finish at the Australian Open and a semifinal showing at Wimbledon, while his most recent title came at the Athens Open in November 2025. He has spoken publicly about an ongoing health issue that worsens in hot, humid conditions, but has not disclosed specifics. Nonetheless, he described his current fitness as “good so far,” noting that the feeling in practice differs from that in an official match.
Record on Chinese Soil
Djokovic is a six-time China Open champion, having captured the title in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. He entered the tournament with a perfect 29-0 win-loss record at the event, a statistic highlighted by the tournament’s history. He said the venue’s supportive crowd and his past success provide a confidence boost he “really need[s]”.
Outlook for the Tournament
Seeded sixth, Djokovic’s path could lead him to a second-round clash with world No. 53 Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, followed by a potential quarter-final against top seed Alexander Zverev.
Verbatim Quote
“At this stage of my career, it’s really also about the tournaments where I enjoy to play, where I’ve had the success in the past, where I feel like I’m also welcomed by the fans in a positive light, in a positive way,” — Novak Djokovic, a six-time China Open champion
