'Feeling good so far' – Novak Djokovic offers positive fitness update ahead of China Open return
Novak Djokovic returns to the tennis court at this week’s China Open after his first-round exit at the US Open, with the Serbian saying he is “feeling good” ahead of the ATP 500 tournament
The Serbian's bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam was brought to a shock end at Flushing Meadows four weeks ago , after Djokovic was beaten over five sets by world No 45 Mariano Navone.
Djokovic battled through physical problems on a humid day in New York, with the 39-year-old vomiting multiple times during the match.
The defeat was the first time Djokovic had suffered an opening-round match loss at a Grand Slam since the Australian Open in 2006.
The former world No 1 returns this week to what has been a happy hunting ground over the years at the China Open, a tournament he has won six times.
"Yeah, feeling good so far," Djokovic said.
"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.
"Knowing that, it also brings this dimension of confidence that I really need. Overall, it's been really good so far with the body, the way I'm feeling and playing."
Djokovic has not competed at the event since claiming his last title in Beijing in 2015.
He will face Portuguese world No 49 Nuno Borges in the opening round and could be on course to face Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals if both players progress.
US Open champion Zverev, meanwhile, will face Britain's Cameron Norrie in the opening round.
Djokovic's defeat by Navone in New York saw the former world No 1 drop out of the ATP Tour's top 10 for the first time in eight years.
He is also in danger of missing out on the ATP Finals, having slipped out of the top eight qualifying spots in the Race to Turin standings and down to 15th.
The China Open will be the Serbian's eighth event of the year, with the 39-year-old still searching for his first ATP Tour title of the season.
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