Novak Djokovic Returns to China Open: A Legend's Comeback
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 crushed Rafael Nadal 6–2, 6–2 in the final to defend his title and complete a staggering run of dominance in the Chinese capital.
Back then, Beijing was his fortress. Six titles in seven years between 2009 and 2015. Barely a crack in the armour. Now he returns in a very different moment of his career.
A champion goes back to his stronghold
Djokovic’s name first appeared quietly on the entry list earlier this month, tucked in alongside Jannik Sinner and US Open champion Alexander Zverev. That alone sparked intrigue. His confirmation turned it into a statement.
"I'm very happy to announce that I'm coming back after many years to play in Beijing at the China Open," he said in a message on his Instagram story, choosing the same platform where he has often marked the biggest decisions of his career.
He did not hide his affection for the setting.
"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."
Those “incredible memories” are written all over the record books.
China Open titles in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Marin Cilic beaten 6–2, 7–6. David Ferrer handled 6–2, 6–4. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga outgunned 7–6, 6–2. Nadal twice more in 2013 and 2015, with Tomas Berdych demolished 6–0, 6–2 in between. No man has won more China Open titles.
For years, the National Tennis Centre felt like Djokovic’s second home.
A response after New York pain
This return is not just about nostalgia.
Djokovic heads to China trying to pick himself up after a brutal shock at the US Open, where Mariano Navone sent him out in the first round. It was his first opening-round defeat at a major since the 2006 Australian Open, a statistic that underlines just how rare and jarring the loss was.
Beijing offers him something he rarely needs: a reset.
He knows the court. He knows the air, the rhythm, the way the ball sits up under the lights. He also knows that every opponent in the draw will see an opportunity after that stumble in New York.
The question is simple and sharp: does the old authority return with him?
Sinner, the new standard in Beijing
While Djokovic steps back into familiar territory, he will walk into a tournament that has already found a new standard-bearer.
Jannik Sinner won the 2025 China Open, brushing aside Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2 in last year’s final at the National Tennis Centre. The Italian didn’t just win; he imposed himself.
He struck 24 winners and kept his game tight enough to limit the damage to 16 unforced errors. Tien, brave but outgunned, finished with 11 winners and 18 unforced errors. The gap told its own story.
"It is a very, very special place for me," Sinner said during the trophy presentation, as per the ATP website. He thanked his team, both those on site and those watching from home, and spoke about pushing for more, about seeing what the rest of the season might bring.
That wasn’t empty talk. Sinner rode that Beijing title into a blistering finish to 2025, adding trophies in Vienna, Paris and Turin. Beijing was not just another win; it was a launchpad.
Old king, new order
So Djokovic returns to a tournament he once ruled, stepping into a field that now looks very different. Sinner has grown into a genuine powerhouse. Zverev arrives as a US Open champion. The locker room no longer bows automatically to one man.
Yet the numbers in Beijing remain Djokovic’s. Six titles. Seven years. A history of finals where he rarely even looked threatened.
He comes back older, bruised from New York, but with something that has always driven him hardest: doubt from the outside.
The National Tennis Centre has seen his peak. Now it will see something else entirely — a legend testing how much of that old magic still lives in his racket.
