Three reasons why Novak Djokovic can win the China Open ahead of Jannik Sinner this year

Novak Djokovic is making a return to tennis very soon as he competes in the China Open in Beijing. The Serbian legend last played at the US Open, where Djokovic lost to Mariano Navone in the first round of the Grand Slam.

He lost a five-set thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, and has since dropped seven places in the ATP rankings to 12th. But Djokovic has a fantastic chance to bounce back immediately at the China Open, which he could win ahead of Jannik Sinner.

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Three reasons why Novak Djokovic can win the China Open

Sinner is playing the China Open too, in what will be his first tournament since winning Wimbledon in the summer. And while he boasts a superb record at the ATP 500 event, history suggests that Djokovic can beat him to the trophy.

Firstly, the Italian definitely won't be 100% match fit, having not played since his Wimbledon final with Alexander Zverev in mid-July. His ATP rival Carlos Alcaraz only just came back from four-and-a-half months at the US Open, and although he impressed, the Spaniard fell at the quarterfinal stage.

While the stakes in Beijing are not as high and the competition is not as demanding, Sinner may find he is playing catch-up after such a lengthy break because of his knee injury. Meanwhile, Djokovic should be well rested after a break of his own, and he should be hugely motivated to recover from a shock loss in the first round of the US Open.

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However, most significant is his stunning record at the China Open, where he boasts an extraordinary 29 wins and zero losses. The Serbian has made six trips to Beijing and has not suffered a single defeat, lifting the trophy on each occasion.

It is a remarkable record from Djokovic, who has emerged victorious in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The most recent title has since caught the eye of former player John Isner, who has just shared highlights of the run on X with the claim: "I will argue 2015 Djokovic in Beijing was the best tennis has ever been played. Just look at those scores!"

R1: Simone Bolelli (6-1, 6-1)

R2: Ze Zhang (6-2, 6-1)

QF: John Isner (6-2, 6-2)

SF: David Ferrer (6-2, 6-3)

F: Rafael Nadal (6-2, 6-2)

Of course, it won't be easy this time around with Sinner in the draw, but his spotless record really does speak volumes. There will also be plenty of others looking to upset the 39-year-old at the event starting later this month, including US Open champion Alexander Zverev.

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Also playing in the ATP 500 tournament are the likes of Felix Auger-Aliassime, Flavio Cobolli and Alex de Minaur, while Alcaraz is taking on the Japan Open in Tokyo at the same time in the schedule.

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