Novak Djokovic Shares Fitness Update Ahead of China Open Return
Novak Djokovic feels strong as he gets ready to play at the China Open, marking his first tournament since his unexpected loss at the US Open. The Serbian star, seeded sixth in Beijing, will face Nuno Borges in his opening match.
At the end of August, Djokovic suffered a surprising first-round defeat at the US Open, falling to Mariano Navone. Alongside singles, he also participated in a mixed doubles match with WTA standout Aryna Sabalenka during the New York event.
Fitness and Confidence Update
Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Djokovic addressed questions about his physical condition after the recent upset. He said, "Yeah, feeling good so far. Let's see. Obviously, it's completely different when you're playing an official match compared to practice sessions. But so far, so good."
He added that returning to China brings a sense of confidence, thanks to his successful history there. "I was looking forward to coming to China, as I always have. My record speaks for itself on Chinese soil, which gives me confidence that I really need. Overall, my body and game feel good."
Dominant Record in Beijing
Djokovic’s claim about his record in China is impressive. He has an undefeated 29-0 match record in Beijing and has won the title six times. Despite not competing there since 2015, he expressed happiness about his return.
He explained why the tournament means a lot to him: "At this stage of my career, it’s about tournaments where I enjoy playing, where I’ve had past success and feel welcomed by fans positively. The history of my results in China has been incredible. I haven’t played here in 11 years because scheduling previously favored Shanghai, but this year, Beijing was a priority. I’m really glad to be here."
Ranking and Upcoming Match
Now ranked 11th in the ATP standings, Djokovic enters the China Open with a 14-7 record for 2026. He’s met Nuno Borges once before, defeating him in the 2025 Athens quarterfinals on his way to winning that title.
The ATP 500 event runs alongside the Japan Open and features top players including Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
- China Open seeding: 6th
- First match opponent: Nuno Borges
- Recent ATP record: 14 wins, 7 losses in 2026
- ATP ranking: 11th
- Beijing match record: 29-0
- Beijing titles: 6
