Djokovic answers the big question: "This is proof that I can still.."

Fernando Murciego - 6 Oct 2026 | 16:49
ATP Novak Djokovic ATP Pekín 2026 Rueda de prensa

Brimming with confidence, this is how Novak Djokovic has appeared before leaving the capital of China. With his seventh title at the ATP 500 in Beijing, the Serbian puffed out his chest and appreciated his performance throughout the week.

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Djokovic does not set an expiration date: "I will return to Beijing, that's for sure." Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic had been waiting for this moment for a whole year. A week where he would be competitive again, taking down top 10 rivals and embracing that trophy that had eluded him in 2026. The ATP of Beijing made it possible, a level of the Serbian that reminds us he still has what it takes.

Today against Alex De Minaur, he was fortunate to see his opponent retire due to injury, but we cannot take any credit away from the Balkan after the week he has had in China, defeating rivals like Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev before reaching the final. In the press conference, the Belgrade player reflected on the significance of this achievement and dared to explain where his competitive spirit comes from, which continues to drive him at 39 years old.

A return that exceeds expectations

“I didn’t know how I would feel because the US tour was terrible in terms of sensations on the court, health, and physical condition. Here I also faced difficulties in some matches, but I managed to push through, fight, and turn some matches around. I am very proud of this achievement. It has come at the best possible moment as a confidence boost, as proof that I can still play at the highest level. Winning against three top 10 players in three consecutive days is a tremendous achievement. I am filled with joy.”

The special connection with the Chinese audience

“I want to express once again my gratitude for the incredible support. Honestly, Chinese fans are probably the best tennis fans I see anywhere in the world. This country has always given me tremendous support, and this year has been amazing. I hadn't been here for 11 years, and I didn't know what to expect. I felt there would be positive energy and interaction, but I didn’t expect the stadium to be full in every single one of my matches since the first round, nor that the people would be so happy and passionate to see me here. This is the best fan support I have outside Serbia, for sure. That also explains why I play well in China, why I feel good, because the people make me feel as if I were Chinese, as if I were playing at home. All I need is to learn Chinese and get my passport, and we’re good.”

Djokovic and the recipe for eternal competitiveness

“The competitive spirit is not something you are born with; it is something you really have to build and develop. It develops during those weeks or those days when nobody is watching. When everyone is watching, on the court, they admire or criticize from their own perspective and with their own judgment about how you play or what you should have done. Tennis, as an individual sport, requires 100% commitment and dedication, not only in training but also in lifestyle. If one day you don't feel well, you're out. You can't sit on the bench and have someone come in to replace you.

It’s also a pretty cruel sport because it’s an elimination system; everything else is eliminatory. You can lose in the first round because one day you didn't sleep well, you have food poisoning, or whatever, and you're out. But that’s also what makes our sport so demanding and special. The spirit of not giving up and dedication is always with me. When I’m on the court, regardless of who is on the other side of the net, I don’t give anything away. I push myself to the limit, especially when playing finals of big tournaments in front of a full stadium.”

The weight of being Novak Djokovic

“I always feel added pressure and importance because of the privileged status I have. Going out to any tournament, on any court in the world, especially over the last five years, being who you are, is something very special. People expect you to be at your best, and that adds responsibility. It’s a motivating factor, although if you aren’t feeling well, it can also become a burden, and you can feel a lot of weight on your shoulders, but it’s what I believe I was destined to do. I truly believe that God gave me this opportunity and this talent to be who I am and to be where I am. I’m grateful and try to fulfill my mission and develop my potential as much as possible. People come from all over China or from anywhere in the world to see you perhaps only once in their lives. Kobe Bryant used to say it: there are probably always one or more fans who are there maybe for the only occasion that they will see you compete. You don’t play just for yourself; you play for the people and for the sport. There is much more that you carry when you are a star.”

Djokovic opens the door to return in 2027

“We’ll see. I will return to Beijing, that’s for sure. In what role and in what way, I still don’t know. Right now, I’m not making plans that far in advance; I’m following more how I feel, how I’m playing, and how quickly I can recover. Planning has changed quite a bit; it’s not as set as it was over the last 20 years, but I will return to China, that’s for sure. We’ll see if I play a tournament; I would like to, but right now a year is a long time to understand what my schedule will be like. But yes, I would also like this unbeaten streak to continue being an unbeaten streak; that would be great.”

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic revela su sufrimiento en el último mes: "Venía de una gira terrible"