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Novak Djokovic ready for tennis comeback at China Open

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-29

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Novak Djokovic is set to return to competitive tennis at the China Open after recovering from fitness issues that led to his first-round exit at the US Open last month. • Why it matters: Djokovic, a six-time champion at the China Open, aims to regain momentum at a venue where he has a perfect 29-0 win-loss record, highlighting the importance of playing in familiar and successful environments as he pursues a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. • What to watch next: Djokovic's first match will be against Portugal’s Nuno Borges on Wednesday, and fans will be keen to see how he performs after his recent challenges and whether he can re-establish his dominance on the court.

**Novak Djokovic Ready for Tennis Comeback at China Open**

*Beijing, China – September 29, 2026* – Novak Djokovic is set to make his return to competitive tennis at the upcoming China Open, following a period of recovery from recent fitness concerns. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not competed since his unexpected first-round exit at the US Open last month, where he faced Mariano Navone and struggled with shoulder and back issues during the match.

Djokovic, currently ranked 11th in the world, expressed optimism about his physical condition leading into the tournament. “Yeah, feeling good so far,” he stated in a recent interview. The six-time China Open champion is eager to regain momentum at a venue where he has historically excelled, boasting a remarkable 29-0 win-loss record at the ATP 500 event.

The China Open holds special significance for Djokovic, who last participated in the tournament 11 years ago. His previous victories in Beijing occurred in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, making it a favored location for the Serbian player. “Knowing that, it also brings this dimension of confidence that I really need,” he noted, highlighting the importance of playing in an environment where he feels welcomed by fans.

As he prepares for his first match against Portugal’s Nuno Borges on Wednesday, Djokovic acknowledged the difference between practice sessions and official matches. “Obviously it’s completely different when you’re playing an official match compared to practice sets or practice sessions,” he remarked, indicating his readiness to transition back into competitive play.

Djokovic’s focus this season also includes the pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. As he becomes more selective about his tournament schedule, he emphasized the importance of participating in events where he has previously enjoyed success and positive experiences. “At this stage of my career, it’s really also about the tournaments where I enjoy to play, where I’ve had the success in the past,” he explained.

With the China Open on his priority list this year, Djokovic is looking to make a strong comeback and re-establish his dominance on the court. As he prepares to step back into the competitive arena, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he performs after his recent challenges.

Source: Al Jazeera
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