The Asian Swing Arrives in Beijing
The 2026 China Open is officially underway, bringing another major chapter of the Asian hard-court swing to the China National Tennis Center in Beijing.
The ATP 500 tournament runs from September 30 to October 6, with a strong collection of established stars preparing to battle for the title on outdoor hard courts.
Sinner’s Withdrawal Changes the Field
One of the biggest talking points heading into this year’s tournament is the absence of defending champion Jannik Sinner.
The world No. 1 withdrew from the competition because of a continuing knee issue, meaning he will not have the opportunity to defend the title he won in Beijing last year. Sinner has also been away from competition since Wimbledon as he continues his recovery.
His withdrawal removes one of the tournament’s biggest attractions but leaves plenty of elite talent in the draw.
Djokovic Returns to Beijing
Novak Djokovic is among the headline names making a long-awaited return to the China Open. The Serbian superstar has not competed in Beijing since 2015, but his record at the tournament remains extraordinary.
Djokovic has won all six of his previous China Open appearances, compiling a perfect 29-0 tournament record. His return therefore adds considerable historical significance to this year’s event.
The 39-year-old arrives in Beijing looking to regain momentum after his early US Open exit.
Zverev Leads the Draw
Alexander Zverev enters the tournament as the top seed and one of the principal names to watch. The German has already enjoyed a strong 2026 season and will attempt to convert his status at the top of the Beijing draw into another deep run.
Zverev also arrives after helping Team Europe defeat Team World at the Laver Cup, adding another recent competitive success to his campaign.
Medvedev Brings Momentum
Daniil Medvedev is another major attraction in Beijing. The Russian arrives immediately after winning the Hangzhou Open, where he defeated compatriot Andrey Rublev in straight sets.
The victory was Medvedev’s third ATP title of the 2026 season and his 24th career tour-level championship, giving him additional momentum heading into the China Open.
A Star-Studded Line-Up
The tournament also features a deep collection of leading players beyond its biggest names. The official entry list included stars such as Félix Auger-Aliassime, Alex de Minaur, Flavio Cobolli, Andrey Rublev and Jakub Menšík.
With several highly ranked competitors in the field, the Beijing draw promises plenty of intriguing matchups throughout the week.
Alcaraz Not in the Beijing Field
Carlos Alcaraz was initially mentioned among the major stars expected around the Asian swing, but he is not part of the confirmed 2026 China Open men’s field. His name therefore should not be included among this year’s Beijing competitors.
The focus instead shifts to Zverev, Djokovic, Medvedev and the rest of the confirmed field.
Another Key Stop in the Season
With the ATP season approaching its final stages, the China Open provides players with another opportunity to collect valuable ranking points and build momentum.
Beijing will now take centre stage as the world’s leading men’s players compete for one of the major titles of the Asian swing.