Novak Djokovic makes his competitive return to the court on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. He faces Portugal’s Nuno Borges in the opening round of the China Open at the ATP 500 event in Beijing. The 39-year-old Serbian star is stepping back into tournament play for the first time since his first-round exit against Mariano Navone at the US Open late last month, where physical ailments severely hampered his performance.
Entering the tournament as the world number 11 and seeded No. 6 in Beijing, Djokovic carries an extraordinary, unbeaten 29-0 match record at the China Open. Having claimed six titles at the venue in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, this week marks his first appearance in the Chinese capital in over a decade.
Overcoming US Open Fitness Hurdles
Djokovic’s early departure at Flushing Meadows was compounded by visible distress, as the 24-time Grand Slam champion battled lingering shoulder and back problems and vomited mid-match. However, speaking to journalists on Monday, the veteran competitor delivered an encouraging update on his physical condition ahead of his return.
“Yeah, feeling good so far,” Djokovic told reporters in Beijing. “Let’s see. Obviously it’s completely different when you’re playing an official match compared to practice sets or practice sessions. But so far so good. I was looking forward to coming to China, as I always have. My record speaks for itself on Chinese soil.”
The former world number one noted that returning to a favored hunting ground provides a much-needed mental and physical boost. He is navigating the final stretch of the season and eyeing a potential qualification push for the ATP Finals.
The Matchup Against Nuno Borges
Djokovic’s first-round opponent, Portugal’s Nuno Borges, sits at world No. 49 and is chasing his first-ever victory against the Serbian legend. The two players previously met in the quarter-finals of an ATP tournament in Athens last season, where Djokovic secured a straight-set victory on route to capturing his 101st career title.
Borges recently acknowledged the historical pressure facing the six-time champion. He pointed out that the burden of an undefeated record rests squarely on the top star’s shoulders.
A Challenging Path Ahead in Beijing
Should Djokovic get past Borges, his route through the main draw features a demanding field of contenders. Potential matchups loom against players like Juan Manuel Cerundolo, Alexander Zverev, Sebastian Baez, and Daniil Medvedev. The competitive 2026 China Open draw includes five of the world’s top 10 players. This offers a rigorous test for Djokovic as he seeks redemption and aims to add another trophy to his historic resume.
