Djokovic Beijing Comeback
Novak Djokovic Returns to China Open After Eleven Years Seeking Ranking Momentum
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Djokovic said he was especially eager to return to the National Tennis Centre, calling it “one of the nicest venues we have in tennis” and thanking Chinese fans for their continued support.
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His loss to Mariano Navone at the US Open lasted four hours and 36 minutes, with Navone winning 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 after Djokovic had taken a two-sets-to-one lead.
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Before heading to Beijing, Djokovic’s recent slide also included an opening-round defeat to Thiago Agustin Tirante at the Cincinnati Masters; he had previously reached the Wimbledon semifinals before losing to Jannik Sinner.
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Djokovic’s ranking had fallen to No. 12 in the world after the US Open, according to Tennis World USA, underscoring the potential importance of the Beijing event for his position in the ATP rankings.
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In the 2025 season before the Beijing event, Djokovic had competed only at the Shanghai Masters—where he reached the semifinals—and the Athens ATP 250, which he won.
Novak Djokovic will return to the China Open in Beijing for the first time since 2015, marking an 11-year absence from the tournament scheduled for September 30 through October 6, according to Perth Now. The 39-year-old Serbian champion, who won all six of his previous China Open titles with a perfect 29-0 record, is hoping to rebuild momentum after a brutal stretch that saw him fall to world No. 12 and suffer his first Grand Slam opening-round loss since 2006.
Djokovic's recent slide includes a devastating four-hour, 36-minute loss to Argentina's Mariano Navone at the US Open (7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1) and an opening-round defeat at Cincinnati. He has also dealt with recurring physical issues—vomiting, cramps, and pain—during matches this season. Beijing offers a chance to end a three-match losing streak and regain ranking points.
A Perfect Record Djokovic Wants to Protect
Djokovic dominated the China Open throughout his career, winning every edition he entered. His 29-0 tournament record is among the most impressive streaks in professional tennis. The National Tennis Centre in Beijing holds special significance for him—he called it "one of the nicest venues we have in tennis" and expressed gratitude to Chinese fans for their unwavering support, according to More E Champion.
The Collapse at the US Open Sparked Beijing Comeback
Djokovic's loss to Navone shocked the tennis world. He had won the first two sets before the Argentine teenager fought back over nearly five hours. The match marked Djokovic's first opening-round Grand Slam exit in 18 years, a stark reminder of his struggles in 2024. His ranking tumbled to No. 12 as a result, per Tennis World USA.
Before the US Open disaster, Djokovic had already lost to Cincinnati's Thiago Agustin Tirante in the first round. He reached Wimbledon's semifinals only to fall to rising star Jannik Sinner. These setbacks compound the physical toll—cramps and exhaustion have plagued him throughout the season.
2025 Season Shows Signs of Recovery
Djokovic's 2025 campaign before Beijing has been mixed. He won the Athens ATP 250 and reached the Shanghai Masters semifinals, showing flashes of his old form. These modest successes suggest he still has the ability to compete at the highest level. Beijing represents a critical opportunity to prove his resurgence is real, not a mirage.
Why Beijing Matters for His Ranking and Legacy
A strong performance in Beijing could lift Djokovic back into the ATP top 10 and restore confidence ahead of year-end tournaments. At 39, time is precious—each event carries extra weight. His return to a venue where he never lost a match sends a powerful message: the legend is not finished yet. The China Open will be his first real test of whether he can still win at the elite level.
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