Djokovic to return to China Open on Sky Sports after 11-year absence

Novak Djokovic announces he will return to ATP Tour's China Open for first time since 2015 between September 30-October 6, live on Sky Sports; Decision comes following shock US Open first-round exit; watch Laver Cup at O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports

Novak Djokovic has confirmed he will compete at the China Open this year, which runs from September 30-October 6 live on Sky Sports , marking a return to the event following an 11-year absence.

The 39-year-old recently dropped as low as No 12 in the world rankings following a shock first-round defeat to Argentina's Mariano Navone at the US Open.

That defeat followed on from a third-round exit in May at the French Open - two underwhelming Grand Slam displays coming either side of a run to the semi-finals at Wimbledon, where he was well beaten in straight sets by eventual champion Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic has not won a Grand Slam title since 2023, going three full calendar years without success.

Returning to the ‌ATP 500 event in Beijing, Djokovic is a six-time winner having last competed there in 2015. Sinner won the title last year, but is currently out with a knee injury.

Defeat to Navone in New York marked the first time Djokovic had lost an opening round contest at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.

"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," Djokovic said on an Instagram story on Wednesday.

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