Novak Djokovic is through to the China Open semifinals after producing another remarkable comeback in Beijing, defeating top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a high-quality quarterfinal.
The result keeps Djokovic's perfect record at the Beijing tournament intact. The Serbian had not played the China Open since 2015, but his return has immediately turned into another deep run.
Zverev entered the match as the top seed and had the stronger start. Djokovic, however, gradually changed the rhythm of the contest and found his best tennis when the match reached its decisive stages.
A comeback built on patience
Zverev controlled the opening set and took advantage of Djokovic's slow start. The German broke early and protected his advantage to move ahead 6-4.
Djokovic responded by becoming more aggressive in the second set while also limiting the unforced errors that had helped Zverev control the early exchanges.
That break levelled the match and shifted the momentum decisively toward the six-time Beijing champion.
The deciding set followed the same pattern
The third set remained tight, with neither player willing to give away easy opportunities. Djokovic continued to absorb Zverev's power and waited for his chances rather than forcing the match.
At 5-4, Djokovic found the opening he needed. Another late break allowed him to close out the contest after two hours and 35 minutes.
The top seed won the opening set 6-4 after an early break.
A late break at 5-4 allowed Djokovic to level the match at one set apiece.
Another break at 5-4 gave Djokovic the deciding set 6-4.
A remarkable 32-0 record in Beijing
The victory produced an extraordinary tournament statistic. Djokovic is now 32-0 in China Open matches.
That means he has won every China Open match he has played, extending a record that began during his earlier successful runs in Beijing.
The 32-match winning start also moves Djokovic beyond Rafael Nadal's 31-match perfect start at the French Open for the best unbeaten beginning at a single tour-level tournament in the Open Era.
Zverev's missed opportunity
Zverev arrived in Beijing in strong form and was competing as the tournament's top seed. The defeat is therefore significant for more than just the China Open draw.
The German was also looking to strengthen his position in the race for the world No. 1 ranking. Djokovic's comeback stopped that opportunity in Beijing.
Next challenge: Daniil Medvedev
Djokovic's semifinal opponent will be Daniil Medvedev. The Russian advanced after defeating Francisco Cerundolo and now stands between Djokovic and another China Open final.
The semifinal creates a meeting between two former world No. 1 players and gives Djokovic another major test after surviving Zverev.
What Djokovic is chasing in Beijing
Djokovic is not simply trying to extend his unbeaten Beijing record. A seventh China Open title would add another major achievement to one of the tournament's strongest records.
He is also searching for his first title of the 2026 season. The Serbian has already shown that his level remains extremely high, but the semifinal against Medvedev will provide another test of whether he can complete the run.
Coming back from a set down against the tournament's top seed makes this run particularly significant. His next match against Medvedev could become the defining contest of his China Open return.
- Reuters — China Open quarterfinal report
- Novak Djokovic official website — tournament results and schedule
- ATP Beijing — China Open tournament information
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