Djokovic confirms China Open return after 11 years, first Beijing trip since 2015
Synopsis
Novak Djokovic is heading back to Beijing for the first time since 2015 — but he arrives as a player ranked No. 12 in the world, nursing physical complaints that saw him vomiting on court and suffer his first Grand Slam first-round loss in 20 years at the US Open. His China Open return is as much a fitness test as a homecoming.
Key Takeaways
Novak Djokovic has confirmed his return to the China Open in Beijing — his first appearance at the tournament in 11 years .
The 24-time Grand Slam champion last played the event in 2015 , making six appearances between 2009 and 2015 .
Djokovic suffered a shock first-round exit at the US Open , losing to Mariano Navone 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 — his first Grand Slam opening-round defeat since 2006 .
The 39-year-old described serious physical issues this season, including vomiting and cramping during matches.
Djokovic is currently ranked No.
12 in the world, outside the ATP top 10 for the first time in several years.
Novak Djokovic has confirmed his return to the China Open in Beijing, marking his first appearance at the ATP 500 tournament in 11 years. The Serbian star last competed at the event in 2015, having made six appearances between 2009 and 2015. The announcement adds a significant milestone to a season that has been marked by physical struggles for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic's Announcement
Djokovic revealed the news via a video shared on Instagram, posting a message in both Chinese and English. 'I am very happy to announce that I'm coming back to Beijing after many years to play at the China Open. I'm so excited to be back and to perform in front of you all at the National Tennis Centre, one of the nicest venues in tennis, a place where I have incredible memories and great successes throughout my career. I want to thank all the Chinese fans for their years-long love and support,' the 39-year-old said in the video.
A Difficult Season So Far
The Beijing return comes on the heels of a bruising outing at the US Open, where Djokovic suffered a shock first-round exit at the hands of Argentina's Mariano Navone. Navone defeated the fourth-seeded Djokovic 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a marathon four-hour, 36-minute encounter at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. It was Djokovic's first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam since 2006 — a two-decade-long streak of avoiding first-round losses at majors that underlines just how rare and jarring the result was.
Physical Struggles Behind the Defeat
Djokovic had made a strong start against Navone but visibly deteriorated as the match progressed, particularly through the final two sets. Speaking after the loss, the Serbian was candid about his physical condition. 'I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me. It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year. Vomiting, throwing up — a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and in pain,' he said, according to reports. He added: 'Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and the shoulder, and I couldn't close it out.'
Ranking Implications
The US Open defeat also pushed Djokovic out of the ATP top 10 for the first time in several years, with the 39-year-old currently ranked No. 12 in the world. Notably, this adds an unusual layer of context to his China Open entry — he will not arrive in Beijing as a top-10 player, a situation few would have predicted even at the start of this season.
What to Watch at the China Open
Djokovic's return to the National Tennis Centre in Beijing, which he describes as 'one of the nicest venues in tennis,' will be closely watched given the question marks over his fitness. This comes amid broader speculation about how much longer the Serbian great can sustain a full tour schedule at the highest level. His performance in Beijing could provide a clearer picture of where his game stands heading into the closing stretch of the 2026 season.
Point of View
Cramping and back collapse mid-match is striking; players rarely describe their bodies failing so explicitly. What mainstream coverage tends to gloss over is that a No. 12 ranking, a first Grand Slam first-round exit in 20 years, and persistent physical complaints in the same season represent a convergence of signals that even the most decorated careers eventually encounter. Beijing, with its warm memories, may be exactly the reset Djokovic needs — but it will not answer the harder question about whether the physical decline is episodic or structural.
NationPress
16 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Novak Djokovic returning to the China Open?
Djokovic has confirmed he will play at the China Open in Beijing in 2026, marking his first appearance at the ATP 500 tournament in 11 years. He last competed there in 2015.
Why did Djokovic miss the China Open for 11 years?
The source does not specify the exact reasons for Djokovic's absence from the China Open between 2015 and 2026. He had made six appearances at the tournament between 2009 and 2015 before the long gap.
What happened to Djokovic at the 2026 US Open?
Djokovic suffered a shock first-round defeat to Argentina's Mariano Navone, losing 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a four-hour, 36-minute match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It was his first opening-round Grand Slam loss since 2006.
What physical problems has Djokovic been dealing with this season?
Djokovic has described vomiting, cramping, and back and shoulder pain as recurring issues during matches in 2026. He called the feeling on court 'awful' after the US Open exit, saying his 'whole body starts to collapse.'
What is Novak Djokovic's current ATP ranking?
Following his US Open first-round defeat, Djokovic dropped out of the ATP top 10 and is currently ranked No. 12 in the world — an unusual position for a player who has spent the bulk of his career at the summit of the rankings.
