Novak Djokovic is making his return to the China Open in Beijing after 11 years away from the tournament.
The 39-year-old Serbian says his body is “feeling good” as he prepares to compete again.
As the tournament runs from September 30 until October 6, addressing the media before his opening match, Djokovic continued to say, “Let’s see. Obviously, it’s completely different when you’re playing an official match compared to practice sets or practice sessions. But so far so good.
“I was looking forward to coming to China, as I always have. My record speaks for itself on Chinese soil.
“Knowing that, it also brings this dimension of confidence that I really need. Overall, it’s been really good so far with the body, the way I’m feeling and playing.”
Djokovic last played in Beijing in 2015 and has a perfect record at the tournament, winning all six of his previous appearances. His return comes after a difficult year in which he has struggled with several injuries and physical problems.
At the Australian Open, he had a hamstring issue. At Indian Wells, he suffered problems with his right forearm and shoulder, forcing him to miss Miami and Monte Carlo.
At Wimbledon, he had a groin problem, while at Cincinnati, he struggled with the heat and humidity, suffering severe exhaustion and vomiting.
At the US Open, he lost in the first round to Mariano Navone after battling shoulder and back pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting during the five-set match.
Djokovic’s first-round opponent will be Nuno Borges. The two players have met once before, with Djokovic leading their head-to-head 1–0. Their first meeting was at the 2025 Athens Open in the quarter-finals where Djokovic defeated Borges 7–6(1), 6–4 .
