For the first time in 11 years, Novak Djokovic will appear at the China Open in Beijing, as he aims to rebound from his disappointing US Open campaign.
Djokovic crashed out of the US Open in the first round, losing to world number 49 Mariano Navone in a tough five-setter. The Serb, in pursuit of a record-breaking 25th major title, struggled physically in the clash with the Argentine, having vomited on multiple occasions.
Doubts have been cast over Djokovic’s future in tennis, as he had endured similar physical issues at the Cincinnati Open prior to his run in New York, with some fans believing this is the beginning of the end of his legendary career. But the 39-year-old just keeps going, and he is now looking to capture his 102nd title in Beijing, where he holds an incredible record.
Novak Djokovic’s undefeated streak at the China Open
Djokovic won his first China Open title on his tournament debut in 2009, when he dropped just one set en route to the final, before beating Marin Cilic 6-2, 7-6 to hoist the trophy. That victory marked the start of one of the greatest streaks in tennis history.
The 24-time major champion went on to win the China Open five more times, in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, conceding only two sets across all of those years. Despite being an ATP 500 event, Djokovic had to battle past several tough opponents to win the six titles in Beijing, including Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer.
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Djokovic has a record of 29 wins and zero losses at the China Open, with 53 sets won and just three lost. Since 1990, no ATP player has won as many matches, or indeed as many titles, at the same tour-level event without being defeated.
This year’s China Open may mark the end of that streak, though, as Djokovic will likely have to battle past US Open champion Alexander Zverev, who will be the top seed after world number one Jannik Sinner withdrew.
Novak Djokovic’s explanation for why he is so good in Beijing
In a press conference at the China Open in 2014, Djokovic was asked why he thinks he has been so dominant in Beijing. He replied: “First of all, I enjoy my time in China.
“I think over the years the tournament has been growing in every sense. You can see that more fans are coming to support their tennis players. I have a big fan club here, teenagers especially, who come and support me, give me presents every day.
“That’s something that makes me feel very special and encourages me to play my best tennis here.
As soon as I arrive, I feel this generosity from the people and I feel their hospitality. That’s the first kind of positive feeling that I get as soon as I’m on Chinese soil.
“Then the court itself, the balls and the conditions are pretty suitable for my style of the game. So for the last four, five years I’ve been playing some of my best tennis on the centre court.”
With 101 to his name as of now, Djokovic will close in on Roger Federer’s all-time title tally of 103 if he wins the China Open.
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