Novak Djokovic Reveals Reason Behind Decision to Play China Open After 11 Years: “History of My Results Has Been Incredible”

Novak Djokovic will be competing at the China Open for the first time since 2015. He holds a perfect 29-0 record here, having won the title in his previous six appearances.

The ATP 500 event in Beijing kicks off on September 30. Reigning champion Jannik Sinner won’t compete because he still hasn’t recovered from the knee injury that forced him to withdraw from the Cincinnati Masters and the US Open.

In Beijing, the 24-time Grand Slam champion will be competing for the first time in an ATP 500 event this season. Before arriving in the Chinese capital, Djokovic played the four Grand Slams and three Masters 1000s (in Indian Wells, Rome, and Cincinnati). At the pre-tournament press conference, Djokovic revealed why he chose to come to Beijing after 11 years.

Well, at this stage of my career, it’s really also about the tournaments where I enjoy to play, where I 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. As I said, history of my results on the Chinese soil has been incredible.

Djokovic last won an ATP 500 title at the 2022 Almaty Open by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas. Since then, he hasn’t reached a title clash at this level. But the last time he won a tour-level title was at the 2025 Hellenic Championship by defeating Lorenzo Musetti.

I haven’t played here 11 years. I was trying to make it work in the past years with the schedule, but the schedule worked in such way where I played only Shanghai. This year Beijing was on the priority list. I’m really glad I’m here.

Novak Djokovic added

This season, the Serb has reached only the Australian Open final, where Carlos Alcaraz defeated him in four sets and became the youngest Career Grand Slam champion. After this event, he could next play at the Shanghai Masters.

Novak Djokovic shares health update ahead of China Open return

Before arriving in Beijing, Novak Djokovic played at the US Open, where he was expected to make a deep run. But due to a medical condition that gets exacerbated in hot and humid conditions, Djokovic struggled during his first-round match against Mariano Navone before losing the match in five sets. At the pre-tournament press conference in Beijing, Djokovic gave an update on his health.

Feeling good so far. Let’s see. Obviously it’s completely different when you’re playing an official match comparing to the practice sets or practice sessions. But so far so good. As I said, I was looking forward to come to China, as I always have. My record speaks for itself on the Chinese soil. Knowing that, it also brings this dimension of confidence that I really need. Yeah, overall it’s been really good so far with the body, the way I’m feeling, and playing.

The top seed in the tournament is Alexander Zverev, who will be chasing his third title of the season after wins at the French Open and the US Open. He will kick off his campaign against Cameron Norrie. Djokovic will face Nuno Borges in his opening-round match.

World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz won’t compete in Beijing, as he will play the ATP 500 Japan Open, which also starts on September 30. Alcaraz and Zverev recently competed at the Laver Cup, where Team Europe lifted the trophy by beating Team World 13–5.

Djokovic last competed at the Laver Cup in 2022, which was also his old rival Roger Federer‘s farewell tournament.

Also read: Patrick Mouratoglou Makes ‘Bored’ and ‘Tired’ Claims About Carlos Alcaraz After His Decision to Play Laver Cup