Novak Djokovic (Image: AP)
Novak Djokovic is set to return to a tournament where he has never lost a match, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion confirming his participation in the China Open after an 11-year absence. The Serbian, who boasts a perfect 29-0 record and six titles at the Beijing event, will make his comeback after a difficult US Open campaign that ended with a first-round defeat. His last appearance came in 2015, when he defeated Nadal 6-2, 6-2 in the final. The fourth-seeded Serbian lost 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a four-hour, 36-minute encounter at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
Djokovic had been the defending champion in 2011 but withdrew from the tournament due to a back injury, leaving his unbeaten record in Beijing intact.
I’m so excited to be back and to perform in front of you all at the National Tennis Centre, one of the nicest venues in tennis, a place where I have incredible memories and great successes throughout my career,” he said in a video shared on Instagram. “I am very happy to announce that I’m coming back to Beijing after many years to play at the China Open. Djokovic’s return to Beijing comes after a disappointing campaign at the US Open, where he suffered a shock first-round exit against Argentina’s Mariano Navone. Djokovic started strongly and took a two-sets-to-one lead but struggled physically as the match progressed. Navone capitalised on the Serbian’s difficulties to take the final two sets and seal a memorable victory.