How Novak Djokovic performed in his first-ever China Open as he announces 2026 return

Novak Djokovic is set to compete at the China Open for the first time in 11 years.

With six China Open titles to his name, Djokovic is the most successful male player in tournament history.

The Serbian superstar, who recently exited the ATP top 10 after losing in the US Open first round, confirmed his participation in the 2026 event in a social media video posted on Wednesday.

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Djokovic made his first-ever appearance at the Beijing-based event in 2009.

How did the tennis icon perform on his debut?

Novak Djokovic won the China Open on debut

Djokovic entered the 2009 China Open as the second seed, behind only Rafael Nadal.

The Serb handled his first two rounds with ease, defeating Victor Hanescu and compatriot Viktor Troicki in straight sets.

He then survived a scare against Fernando Verdasco in the quarter-finals, triumphing 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 in the Chinese capital.

Djokovic defeated Robin Soderling 6-3, 6-3 in the semi-finals, setting up a clash with 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic.

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Cilic, the eighth-seeded wildcard entry, stunned top seed Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.

Djokovic proved too strong for the Croatian, claiming his first China Open title with a 6-2, 7-6 victory.

Djokovic went on to claim six China Open titles in seven years, including four in a row between 2012 and 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

What did Novak Djokovic say ahead of winning the 2015 China Open?

In 2015, Only Rafael Nadal stood in the way of Novak Djokovic winning a sixth China Open title.

Prior to the final in Beijing, Djokovic described his record in China as one of his greatest accomplishments as a tennis player.

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"This is right at the top, one of the best achievements I've had in my career," Djokovic stated prior to playing Nadal.

"Every time I keep coming back, I have these positive, great memories from the success, the great performances I had on the centre court, support, just overall feel is very positive.

"I try to use that in my favour."

Djokovic defeated Nadal in emphatic fashion, triumphing 6-2, 6-2.

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