Djokovic rallies past Zverev to extend unbeaten Beijing run to 32 matches

Novak Djokovic overturned a one-set deficit to beat top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the China Open quarter-finals on Sunday, October 4. The victory extended his unbeaten record at the Beijing tournament to 32 matches and secured a semi-final against Daniil Medvedev, according to BBC Sport and AFP.

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

The 39-year-old Serbian needed two hours and 34 minutes to defeat the world number two. AFP reported that Djokovic began with two double faults in the opening game, allowing Zverev to break immediately. The German maintained that advantage to take the first set, putting Djokovic's unblemished tournament record under pressure from the outset.

Djokovic gradually found a way back in their first meeting for almost 16 months. BBC Sport reported that he broke Zverev while leading 5-4 in the second set to force a decider. The third set followed the same decisive pattern: with the score again at 5-4, Djokovic broke serve to finish the match. Zverev struck 19 aces, but could not prevent the comeback.

Afterwards, Djokovic placed the performance alongside his Australian Open semi-final victory over Jannik Sinner among his best matches of the year, AFP reported. He said the result demonstrated that he could still beat leading opponents, while acknowledging the difficulty of sustaining that level as consistently as younger players. He also said he had felt physically good during the contest after health difficulties earlier in the year.

The tournament's official report highlighted the support Djokovic received on Diamond Court, which he credited with helping him reverse the match. A six-time champion in Beijing, he remains in contention for a seventh title at the event. BBC Sport reported that he is also pursuing his first trophy of 2026 after a season complicated by problems with form and fitness.

Third seed Medvedev booked his place in Monday's semi-final by defeating Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (7-4), 6-3. The other semi-final will feature Hubert Hurkacz and Alex de Minaur. Hurkacz beat Karen Khachanov 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, while De Minaur recovered from losing the opening set to overcome Andrey Rublev 1-6, 6-2, 6-3, completing the men's last-four lineup.