Novak Djokovic is returning to the China Open in Beijing this week following a difficult exit at the 2026 US Open. the 39-year-old Serbian star aims to leverage his historic success in the tournament to salvage a season that has seen him struggle to reach the winner's circle.
A perfect 29-0 record in Beijing
Novak Djokovic arrives at the ATP 500 China Open carrying a statistical legacy that is nearly unparalleled in professional tennis. As the report highlights, the Serbian star maintains an incredible undefeated streak in Beijing, boasting 29 wins and zero losses at the venue. This dominance is underscored by the six titles he has already captured in the city, a run that last saw him in action in 2015 when he defeated Rafael Nadal to claim his fourth consecutive championship there.
Returning to the China Open provides more than just a chance for silverware; it offers a return to a venue where Djokovic has historically felt most comfortable.. He noted in a pre-tournament press conference that the atmosphere and crowd support in Beijing contribute significantly to his performance. For a player navigating the twilight of a legendary career, the familiarity of the Chinese courts may provide the psychological edge needed to overcome recent setbacks.
The physical toll of the Flushing Meadows exit
The momentum heading into China is heavily weighed down by the recent physical struggles witnessed at the 2026 US Open. during his first-round match at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic suffered a grueling five-set defeat to Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry. According to the report, the match, which spanned four hours and 36 minutes, left the 39-year-old visibly exhausted, with Djokovic reportedly vomiting on multiple occasions while struggling to navigate the court.
The physical struggles witnessed during the 2026 US Open have raised concerns about Djokovic's ability to endure long , high-intensity matches in the current season. While the Serbian player has adopted a "warrior" mentality, viewing losses as opportunities to grow, the sheer physical demand of the Etcheverry match suggests that his recovery period must be carefully managed. The transition from the hard courts of New York to the competitive environment of Beijing will test whether his body can handle the rigors of the ATP tour.
The risk of a trophy-less season since 2005
Novak Djokovic is currently fighting to avoid a historical statistical anomaly: the possibility of finishing a season without a single title. If he fails to secure the China Open,he will have gone an entire year without a trophy for the first time since 2005. The report indicates that his only appearance in a final this year occurred at the Australian Open, where he was ultimately denied a 25th Grand Slam title by Carlos Alcaraz.
With seven defeats already logged in 2026, the stakes in Beijing are exceptionally high. Djokovic has emphasized that his primary motivation is not merely to participate in exhibitions or enjoy the crowds, but to compete and win at the highest professional level. For a player whose career has been defined by relentless pursuit of milestones, the China Open is a vital chance to prevent a significant gap in his trophy cabinet.
Can Nuno Borges test a recovering Djokovic?
The immediate hurdle for the Serbian legend is his first-round opponent, Portuguese player Nuno Borges. While Djokovic has expressed a positive outlook on his ability to "turn the next page," the question remains whether his physical conditioning has truly rebounded from the US Open. It is still unknown if the vomiting and movement issues experienced in New York were isolated incidents or symptoms of a broader physical decline.
Whether Djokovic can translate his mental resilience into physical dominance against Borges will be the first indicator of whether his Beijing campaign will be a successful comeback or a continuation of a difficult season. the ATP 500 draw will demand high levels of consistency, a trait that has been tested by his recent seven defeats in 2026.
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