Novak Djokovic tops Zverev in Beijing

Djokovic turns the quarterfinal around

Novak Djokovic defeated Alexander Zverev in the China Open quarterfinals after a difficult start. He lost the opener before taking the next two sets by 6-4 scores. It was a measured turnaround. Djokovic reached the semifinals while extending an exceptional run in Beijing.

The first game set the tone early. Djokovic double faulted twice and surrendered serve, then could not recover the break before the opening set ended. The No. 11 held serve for the rest of the match against the No. 2 player. He broke Zverev at 5-4 in each of the final sets, producing his cleanest return work when the score was tight.

A high-level opponent and a sharp response

Zverev came into the match with an 8-2 record from his last ten completed matches. This was a serious test. He had already won the French Open and US Open this season, and Djokovic described him as the best player in the world at the moment. Zverev's serve repeatedly limited the returner's chances.

Djokovic gradually found a steadier rhythm on serve. He pushed forward after the delivery, looked to take the first ball early, and changed the pace of rallies rather than allowing a fixed pattern. In the second set, Zverev missed only one first serve. Still, Djokovic created enough pressure in the return games to take the set, then repeated that late break in the decider.

China Open record reaches new ground

The win lifted Djokovic's China Open record to 32-0. That moved him past Rafael Nadal, who began his Roland Garros career with a 31-0 run before his first loss there. Djokovic now owns the longest winning start at a single event before a defeat. The Beijing record stands alone.

This is Djokovic's first appearance in Beijing since 2015. He has won six China Open titles, and the quarterfinal added another important result at a tournament where he has repeatedly played his best tennis. The crowd watched a player who knew how to manage a match after falling behind.

His last ten completed matches have produced a 7-3 record. Djokovic has said this season has been difficult for different reasons, but his performance against Zverev showed he can still raise his level against the strongest opposition. The serve held up after the early error. His return made the difference late.

Medvedev awaits in the semifinals

Daniil Medvedev is next for Djokovic in the semifinals. The turnaround against Zverev required patience and precise serving, so the quick change of opponent will test whether Djokovic can carry that standard into another major match. The semifinal comes next. Beijing has given him another chance to compete deep into an event.

For Zverev, the defeat ends his chance to narrow the gap to top-ranked Jannik Sinner in Beijing. His serve controlled long stretches, particularly in the second set, but Djokovic took the limited openings at the end of both sets. Those return games decided the quarterfinal. Djokovic's unbeaten run at the tournament continues.