Djokovic Overcomes Early Setback to Defeat Zverev and Reach China Open Semis

Novak Djokovic survived a rough opening, committing two double faults and losing the first set 4-6 to world No 2 Alexander Zverev in the China Open quarter-finals. After finding rhythm, the 39-year-old Serbian captured the next two sets 6-4 6-4, completing a three-set comeback that lifted his perfect Beijing record to 32-0, the longest winning streak at a Tour event in the Open era. Zverev, who delivered 19 aces and held serve strongly, was broken at 5-4 in the second set and again at a crucial moment in the third, allowing Djokovic to advance.

The win puts Djokovic into a semifinal against in-form Daniil Medvedev, while the other semi-final features Alex de Minaur versus Hubert Hurkacz. Djokovic said the match tested his resolve after a difficult season that began with an early US Open exit.