Novak Djokovic Shares Fitness Update Ahead of China Open Return
Novak Djokovic says he is feeling good as he gets ready for his first match at the China Open, marking his return to competition since his unexpected loss at the US Open. The tournament in Beijing will be Djokovic's first event since late August, when he was defeated by Mariano Navone in a surprising first-round upset.
Fitness and Readiness
Speaking with the media in Beijing, Djokovic was asked about his physical condition following the shock US Open departure. He responded: "Yeah, feeling good so far. Let's see. Obviously it’s completely different when you’re playing an official match compared to practice sets or sessions. But so far, so good."
He expressed enthusiasm about returning to China, noting the confidence his strong history there gives him: "My record speaks for itself on Chinese soil. Knowing that brings this dimension of confidence that I really need. Overall, it’s been really good so far with my body, how I’m feeling and playing."
Impressive China Open Record
Djokovic holds a remarkable 29-0 winning record in Beijing, where he has captured six titles. Despite not competing there since 2015, he is pleased to make his comeback this year. He explained why this tournament matters at this point in his career:
"It’s about the tournaments where I enjoy playing, where I’ve had success before, and where I feel welcomed by the fans in a positive way. The history of my results here has been incredible. I haven’t played here in 11 years. Scheduling challenges meant I only played Shanghai in recent years. This year, Beijing was a priority. I’m really glad to be here."
Upcoming Match and Rankings
Seeded sixth at the ATP 500 event, Djokovic will face Nuno Borges in his opening match. Their only previous meeting came in the 2025 Athens quarterfinals, where Djokovic won en route to claiming the title. The China Open runs alongside the Japan Open and features other top players like Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Before the tournament, Djokovic climbed one spot in the ATP rankings to No. 11. His 2026 record stands at 14 wins and 7 losses.
