Novak Djokovic reveals health update after surviving a scare at China Open
Djokovic came back from a set down to beat local hope Bu and advanced to final eight
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Novak Djokovic has opened up about a health problem that has hurt his 2026 season. The 39-year-old came from a set down to beat Yunchaokete Bu 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 in the second round of the 2026 China Open on Friday. The win extended his flawless record in Beijing to 31-0, but it came with another medical timeout.
Djokovic had trouble with his breathing early in the second set, and the physical problems showed again in the match. He called for treatment during the second set, while leading 3-2. He recovered well after that. He won the tie-break 7-2 and took a 4-0 lead in the third set.
The Serbian said he felt fresher at the end than at the start. He had also needed a medical timeout in his opening-round win over Portugal’s Nuno Borges.
After the match, he spoke openly but gave nothing away about the cause. He said this year has been a “big, big struggle” and that most of his matches and tournaments in 2026 have been a real struggle physically. He did not want to go into details, because it might sound like he was making excuses.
He rejected the idea that it is about fitness. “It’s not stamina,” he said, adding that it is more related to health. He is working with his team to find the cause. He said the problems make it hard to focus on the game, because he spends his energy on how he is feeling.
Related: Five unwanted records Novak Djokovic set with shock US Open exit
The scenes are not new for him this year. At the US Open, where he suffered an opening-round exit, Djokovic vomited midway through his match and had back and shoulder problems that affected his serve late on.
He also lost early in Cincinnati and experienced similar issues there too. With age not on his side, these are fresh concerns that Djokovic will have to address in the off-season, as he looks to potentially win a Slam in 2027.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will next face top seed Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals. Djokovic even revealed that he plans to play the Paris Masters and, if he qualifies, the ATP year-end Finals in Turin.
What health problem has Novak Djokovic faced in 2026?
Djokovic has not revealed the cause, but said most of his 2026 matches and tournaments have been a real struggle physically. He said it is not stamina and is working with his team to find the cause.
How did Djokovic beat Yunchaokete Bu at the China Open 2026?
Djokovic came from a set down to win 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 in the second round. The win extended his record in Beijing to 31-0, though he needed another medical timeout.
Who will Djokovic face next at the China Open 2026?
He plays top seed Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals.
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