Novak Djokovic is going back to Beijing, back to a court where he once looked untouchable.
The 39-year-old has confirmed he will return to the China Open, his first appearance at the event since 2015, when he swept through the field and crushed Rafael Nadal 6–2, 6–2 in the final to defend his title and complete a fourth straight triumph in the Chinese capital.
This is not just another tournament on his schedule. Beijing has been one of Djokovic’s great strongholds. Six titles in seven years between 2009 and 2015 turned the National Tennis Centre into his personal fortress:
- 2009 – beat Marin Cilic, 6–2, 7–6
- 2010 – beat David Ferrer, 6–2, 6–4
- 2012 – beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 7–6, 6–2
- 2013 – beat Rafael Nadal, 6–3, 6–4
- 2014 – beat Tomas Berdych, 6–0, 6–2
- 2015 – beat Rafael Nadal, 6–2, 6–2
Nobody has won more China Open titles than Djokovic. Nobody has come close to that level of domination there.
So when his name quietly appeared on the entry list earlier this month, alongside Jannik Sinner and US Open champion Alexander Zverev, it felt like a signal. When he then spoke directly to fans, it became a statement.
"I'm very happy to announce that I'm coming back after many years to play in Beijing at the China Open," Djokovic said in a message on his Instagram story. "I am excited to come back and perform in front of all of you at the National Tennis Centre – one of the nicest venues we have in tennis.
"A place where I had some incredible memories and great success throughout my career.
"I want to thank all the Chinese fans for their continuous love and support for so many years. Can't wait to perform in front of you. See you very soon."
The timing matters. Djokovic heads to China still stinging from a rare early slam exit. Mariano Navone sent him out in the first round of the US Open, his first opening-round defeat at a major since the 2006 Australian Open. For a player who has built his legacy on reliability in the biggest moments, that result cut deep.
Beijing now offers something different: not just ranking points or preparation, but a return to a place where almost everything has gone right for him.
Sinner the man to beat
When Djokovic walks back into the National Tennis Centre, he will find a new man ruling the court he once owned.
Jannik Sinner lifted the China Open trophy last year, beating Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided final. The Italian was ruthless, striking 24 winners to 16 unforced errors, while Tien finished with 11 winners and 18 unforced errors.
"It is a very, very special place for me," Sinner said during the trophy presentation, as per the ATP website. He thanked his team, those on site and those watching from home, and promised to "try to improve and push for more" over the rest of the season.
He delivered on that promise. After Beijing, Sinner rolled through Vienna, Paris and Turin, stacking titles and confirming his status as one of the sport’s standard-bearers.
Now the stage is set for a compelling clash of eras in China: Djokovic, the six-time champion trying to reset after a shock in New York, and Sinner, the reigning winner who turned last year’s run in Beijing into a springboard for a dominant finish to 2025.
The National Tennis Centre has seen Djokovic at his most ruthless. It has seen Sinner at his most assured. The next chapter in Beijing will reveal whose story takes over the city this time.
