Novak Djokovic defeats Alexander Zverev in Beijing to book a semi-final clash with Daniil Medvedev.
Novak Djokovic staged a brilliant comeback to defeat top seed Alexander Zverev at the China Open, securing his place in the semi-finals of the prestigious tennis tournament in Beijing.
The 39-year-old Serbian triumphed 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 against the world number two, denting the German player's quest to finish the year as the top-ranked player on the men's professional tour, according to information published by BBC.
Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic emphasized that these competitive encounters against the world's best players in front of thousands of fans are the exact moments that define every tennis player's dreams.
Novak Djokovic Beijing unbeaten record
In their first meeting in just under 16 months, Djokovic initially struggled to handle Alexander Zverev and his powerful gameplay, allowing the German to secure the first set after a crucial break in the opening game.
Despite the challenging start, the 24-time Grand Slam winner worked his way back into the contest, seizing a vital opportunity with a break at 5-4 in the second set to level the match and force a decider.
Little separated the experienced veteran and his opponent in the third set, but Djokovic struck again at 5-4 on his rival's serve to clinically seal the victory and extend his remarkable winning streak in the Chinese capital.
China Open semi-finals schedule
This hard-fought triumph takes the legendary Serbian player's unbeaten tally in Beijing to 32 matches, moving him one step closer to claiming a seventh China Open title and his first trophy of a difficult 2026 season.
Looking ahead to the next round, Djokovic will face third seed Daniil Medvedev, who advanced to the last four after overcoming Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-3.
The upcoming semi-final match between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev is scheduled for Monday, promising another thrilling encounter at the elite-level tournament.
Other China Open results
Elsewhere in the tournament, Poland's Hubert Hurkacz progressed comfortably to the semi-finals following a 7-6, 6-2 victory over Karen Khachanov in a strong display.
Hubert Hurkacz will now prepare to play Australia's Alex de Minaur, who recovered from a slow start against Andrey Rublev to record a 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory.
Meanwhile, the broader tennis landscape continues to evolve, with organizers recently announcing that more elite-level events will award equal prize money to competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Novak Djokovic beat to reach the China Open semi-finals?
Novak Djokovic defeated top seed Alexander Zverev with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the China Open semi-finals in Beijing.
Who will Novak Djokovic play in the China Open semi-finals?
Novak Djokovic will face third seed Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals on Monday after Medvedev defeated Francisco Cerundolo.
How many matches has Novak Djokovic won consecutively in Beijing?
Novak Djokovic has extended his unbeaten tally in Beijing to 32 matches as he chases a seventh China Open title.
What was the score in the match between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev?
Novak Djokovic battled back from a set down to defeat Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 at the China Open.
