Novak Djokovic described 2026 as a challenging year for his tennis career, attributing his difficulties to an undisclosed health issue rather than stamina problems. The 24-time Grand Slam champion required a medical timeout during his match at the China Open in Beijing on October 2, where he ultimately defeated local player Bu Yunchakote in three sets.

Djokovic, ranked outside the top 10, has returned to the ATP 500 event after an 11-year absence as part of his effort to regain form following a disappointing season. He secured a 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 victory over the world No. 104 in the tournament’s last 16, maintaining his perfect 31-0 record at the China Open. The 39-year-old Serb is aiming for a strong finish to a year that included a surprise early exit at the US Open—the earliest Grand Slam departure of his professional career.

During the US Open, Djokovic was visibly affected by physical ailments, including back and shoulder discomfort, which compromised his serve in the later stages of his first-round loss. He also vomited during that match and had previously required a medical timeout in Beijing while facing Portugal’s Nuno Borges.

Speaking at a post-match news conference, Djokovic declined to provide specific details about his health issues. He emphasized that his struggles were not related to endurance and refuted speculation about stamina being the cause of his difficulties. Instead, he pointed to ongoing health concerns that have complicated his ability to perform consistently throughout the season.

“Most of the matches and tournaments this year that I’ve played have been a real, real struggle for me physically,” Djokovic said. “It’s something else. More related to health.” He added that he and his team are still investigating the underlying cause of the problem.

Interestingly, Djokovic noted an improvement during his match against Bu, saying that he felt better in the third set compared to earlier stages, marking a rare positive development after enduring physical challenges through much of the season. This improvement helped him secure the win despite the ongoing difficulties.

Djokovic holds a record six titles at the China Open, with his last victory dating back to 2015 before his recent return to the Beijing event. The tournament is considered a key opportunity for him to rebuild momentum as he continues to manage his health and compete at the highest level.