Novak Djokovic sends message as he confirms he will play the China Open for the first time in 11 years

Novak Djokovic is set to make his return to the China Open.

The Serbian superstar last competed at the event in 2015 and successfully defended his title.

Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in the final, 6–2, 6–2, claiming his fourth consecutive title in the Chinese capital of Beijing.

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Earlier this month, Djokovic was spotted on the China Open entry list alongside the likes of Jannik Sinner and US Open champion Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic has now confirmed his participation in a lengthy message.

Novak Djokovic announces his return to the China Open

"I'm very happy to announce that I'm coming back after many years to play in Beijing at the China Open," Djokovic said in a message on his Instagram story.

"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.

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"I want to thank all the Chinese fans for for their continuous love and support for so many years.

"Can't wait to perform in front of you. See you very soon."

Djokovic will hope to bounce back quickly in China after his struggles at the US Open.

The Serb was stunned in the US Open first round by Mariano Navone: his first loss in the opening round of a major since the 2006 Australian Open.

Djokovic has won the most China Open titles of any man in tournament history.

The 39-year-old won six titles in seven years, from 2009 to 2015.

Novak Djokovic's China Open titles

2009: defeated Marin Cilic in the final, 6–2, 7–6

2010: defeated David Ferrer in the final, 6–2, 6–4

2012: defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final, 7–6, 6–2

2013: defeated Rafael Nadal in the final, 6–3, 6–4

2014: defeated Tomas Berdych in the final, 6–0, 6–2

2015: defeated Rafael Nadal in the final, 6–2, 6–2

Who won the 2025 China Open?

Jannik Sinner triumphed at last year's China Open, defeating Learner Tien in the final.

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The Italian star was dominant throughout the contest, eventually triumphing 6-2, 6-2 at the National Tennis Centre.

Sinner struck 24 winners and 16 unforced errors during the contest. Tien hit 11 winners compared to 18 unforced errors.

"It is a very, very special place for me," Sinner said during the trophy presentation, as per the ATP website.

"My team, thanks for understanding and working with me. Not all the team is here, so hopefully the rest are watching from home.

"Thanks for working with me and we will try to improve and push for more and let's see what the rest of the season looks like, but I am very happy to share this [trophy] with all of you."

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Sinner went on to capture titles in Vienna, Paris and Turin before the end of 2025.

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