A Long-Awaited Return to Beijing
Novak Djokovic is back in the Chinese capital for the China Open, marking his first appearance at the Beijing ATP 500 event since 2015. The 39-year-old, who holds a remarkable six titles at this tournament, arrived a few days early to log practice time on court before competitive play begins. Speaking to reporters at his pre-tournament press conference, Djokovic reflected warmly on the venue, noting how much the facility has grown since he first played there during the 2008 Olympic Games. What was once the secondary court, the Lotus Court, now sits alongside a much larger stadium built specifically for the annual tournament. Djokovic called it one of the most impressive tennis facilities in the sport and said the passionate Chinese crowds have always given him a special lift.
Fitness Front and Center After US Open Collapse
The big question surrounding Djokovic's Beijing appearance is not his history here, but his health. He has not competed since a jarring five-set first-round loss to Mariano Navone at the US Open on August 31, a match that saw his body physically break down in a deeply concerning fashion. That defeat ended what had been a difficult stretch, and the 24-time Grand Slam champion has spent the weeks since then recovering and rebuilding.
At his Beijing press conference, Djokovic offered measured but positive words, saying he is feeling good so far while acknowledging that practice sessions and official matches are very different animals. He pointed to his outstanding record on Chinese hard courts as a genuine source of confidence heading into the week. Fans tracking the draw on TennisDraw had Djokovic circled as a notable name to watch despite the fitness uncertainty surrounding his return.
