Djokovic beats Zverev to extend perfect Beijing record to 32 wins

Novak Djokovic defeated top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday to reach the China Open semi-finals and extend his unbeaten record in Beijing to 32 matches. The 39-year-old Serbian remains in contention for a seventh title at the tournament after overcoming an early setback against the German.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOCVy6qP724

BBC Sport reported that Zverev broke in the opening game and protected that advantage to take the first set. Djokovic initially struggled with his opponent's power but stayed in the contest, eventually breaking at 5-4 in the second set. That late breakthrough brought him level and forced the quarter-final into a deciding set.

The third set followed a similar pattern, with little separating the players before Djokovic again broke Zverev while leading 5-4. According to BBC Sport, this was their first meeting in just under 16 months. Djokovic is still seeking his first trophy of 2026 after a season in which both fitness and form have presented difficulties.

Djokovic's official website reported that his 32-0 start in Beijing established an Open Era men's singles record for consecutive victories from a player's first appearance at a tour-level event. He had shared the previous mark with Rafael Nadal, who won his first 31 matches at Roland Garros. The result therefore carried significance beyond a place in the last four.

The statistics published on Djokovic's website showed contrasting strengths: Zverev led 19-4 in aces and 48-30 in winners, but Djokovic made fewer unforced errors, 21 to 26. Djokovic also won 82 percent of points on his first serve and finished with a 95-85 advantage in total points won.

Third seed Daniil Medvedev awaits on Monday after beating Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, BBC Sport reported. The other semi-final will feature Hubert Hurkacz and Alex de Minaur. Hurkacz defeated Karen Khachanov 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, while De Minaur recovered from losing the opening set against Andrey Rublev to win 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 and complete the last-four lineup.