Key Takeaways
- Novak Djokovic returns to competitive tennis at the 2026 China Open following opening-round defeats at both Cincinnati and the US Open.
- The 39-year-old holds a perfect 29-0 match record in Beijing, having captured 6 titles across his previous 6 visits.
- Before opening against Nuno Borges, Djokovic stated: “If I only wanted to enjoy the crowd, I would just play exhibitions. I want to win.”
A familiar sanctuary after tough defeats
Novak Djokovic will make his return to competitive action at the 2026 China Open in Beijing on Wednesday, determined to put a challenging stretch behind him. The 39-year-old enters the tournament following consecutive opening-match exits in the United States, having lost to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante at the Cincinnati Open before suffering an agonizing 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 defeat against Mariano Navone at the US Open.
That dramatic five-set battle with Navone represented Djokovic’s earliest departure from a Grand Slam tournament since 2006 and his very first opening-round loss at Flushing Meadows. Djokovic was hampered by physical issues during the contest, enduring back pain, vomiting, shoulder trouble and cramps over 4 hours and 36 minutes.
Flawless history in Beijing
Beijing offers the former world number one an ideal setting to rebound. Although Djokovic has not competed at the China Open since 2015, his historical dominance at the venue remains unmatched. The Serbian star has won the title in all 6 of his previous appearances, lifting the trophy in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, with his most recent visit concluding with a triumph against Rafael Nadal in the championship match.
Returning 11 years after his last visit, Djokovic brings an incredible 29-0 match record and a 58-1 set record into the tournament. Despite maintaining a lighter playing schedule these days, his competitive drive remains just as sharp.
Addressing his return to the court, Djokovic delivered a clear statement regarding his mentality: “If I only wanted to enjoy the crowd, I would just play exhibitions. I want to win.”
First-round test and a challenging draw
Seeded 6th at the tournament, Djokovic starts his bid against Portugal’s world No. 49 Nuno Borges. The two have met once before, when Djokovic defeated Borges in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Athens Open.
Should Djokovic advance past Borges, a demanding road lies ahead. World No. 1 Alexander Zverev looms as a potential quarterfinal rival, while Daniil Medvedev could await in the semifinals. While Djokovic has noted that an official match brings different demands than practice sessions, he reported feeling physically healthy and ready to chase victories again on his most successful Chinese stage.
ATP Beijing - Novak Djokovic's projected path
Novak Djokovic in 2026
Ranked world no.11, Djokovic played his last match on the 30th of August when he lost to world no.45 Mariano Navone 7-6(5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 in the 1st round of the U.S. Open (draw).
At present, during this year Novak has a 14-7 record. Novak Djokovic’s most significant result of the present season was reaching the semifinal at the Australian Open.
