Djokovic Overcomes Zverev to Reach China Open Semifinals

Posted : 05 October 2026

Novak Djokovic produced another remarkable comeback at the China Open, defeating top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the semifinals in Beijing. The 39-year-old Serbian recovered from a slow start to extend his perfect record at the tournament to 32 consecutive victories.

Djokovic struggled immediately, double-faulting twice in the opening game and allowing Zverev to break serve. The German, who arrived in Beijing in strong form, maintained his advantage to take the first set 6-4 despite persistent pressure from the six-time China Open champion.

The match also featured a brief controversy when Zverev complained about a problem with the LED panels during a rally. The umpire ordered the point to be replayed, prompting boos from sections of the packed crowd that strongly supported Djokovic.

Djokovic gradually found his rhythm in the second set. Neither player gave up a break opportunity during the opening eight games, but the Serbian raised his level when it mattered most, breaking Zverev at 5-4 before serving out the set to force a decider.

The third set followed a similar pattern. Djokovic saved an early break point before keeping his composure until the decisive moment. At 5-4, he earned the opportunity to break and converted it to complete the comeback after two hours and 34 minutes. Zverev fired 19 aces during the contest but could not prevent Djokovic from completing the turnaround.

The victory also gave Djokovic a new record. His 32nd consecutive win in Beijing moved him beyond Rafael Nadal's previous mark of 31 straight victories at Roland Garros for the best unbeaten start at a single tournament in the Open Era.

Djokovic will now face Daniil Medvedev in the last four. The Russian reached the semifinals after defeating Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, setting up a meeting with Djokovic in what will be their first encounter since the 2023 US Open final.

Hubert Hurkacz and Alex de Minaur will contest the other men's semifinal. Hurkacz defeated 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.

Sabalenka Knocked Out

The women's draw also produced a major upset, with second seed Aryna Sabalenka eliminated in the third round by Czech youngster Nikola Bartunkova. The 20-year-old defeated the four-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 6-3 in 95 minutes.

Bartunkova held her nerve against the former world No. 1 and earned one of the biggest victories of her young career. Sabalenka struggled to convert opportunities, including five break points in the sixth game of the opening set, before losing control of the contest.

The result means both of the women's top two seeds have now exited Beijing. World No. 1 Elena Rybakina was eliminated by Alina Charaeva in the second round, leaving the tournament wide open.

Djokovic Overcomes Zverev to Reach China Open Semifinals

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