Novak Djokovic defeats Alexander Zverev in Beijing to reach China Open semifinals

Three-set victory in Beijing

Novak Djokovic advanced to the semifinals of the China Open on Sunday, defeating world No. 2 Alexander Zverev in a three-set quarterfinal. The 39-year-old Serbian recovered from losing the opening set to secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory on the hard courts of the Chinese capital. Zverev saved the first match point while serving in the final game of the third set, but Djokovic converted the second opportunity to seal the win. The performance followed a difficult encounter the previous day against Chinese player Yunchaokete Bu. With the victory, Djokovic secured his spot in the tournament semifinals, continuing an unblemished career match record at the Beijing event.

Implications for the world rankings

The result directly alters the battle for the top spot in the ATP rankings heading into the final stretch of the season. Zverev entered the Beijing tournament with an opportunity to surpass current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the top of the rankings on 19 October. To reach the top ranking, the German needed to win both the ATP 500 title in Beijing and the subsequent Masters 1000 event in Shanghai. Zverev has produced consistent results across the calendar year, winning two Grand Slam titles including the US Open during a difficult season for Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The quarterfinal loss in Beijing eliminates that immediate scenario, ensuring that Sinner extends his tenure as world No. 1 while Zverev prepares for Shanghai without the Italian in the draw.

Milestones and tournament streaks

Djokovic's quarterfinal triumph established several statistical milestones in men's professional tennis. At 39 years old, he became the oldest player to defeat a top-two ranked opponent since 1974. The victory also extended his undefeated match record at the China Open to 32 wins and zero losses, having returned to the tournament in 2026 after an 11-year absence. Djokovic now holds the longest undefeated streak at a single tournament without suffering a loss in the Open Era, surpassing Rafael Nadal's 31-0 start at Roland Garros and Thomas Muster's 20-0 run at the Mexican Open in Mexico City. His only previous career loss in the city of Beijing occurred at the 2008 Olympic Games semifinals against Nadal.

Career longevity and future targets

The Beijing quarterfinal stands alongside Djokovic's Australian Open semifinal victory over Sinner as one of his strongest match results of the 2026 season. The Serbian has maintained a selective tournament schedule after completing the career Golden Slam in singles at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in the final to join Nadal, Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, and Andre Agassi. Despite holding every top title in the sport at age 37, Djokovic has continued to target elite competition, including prospective participation in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Casey Wasserman, the head of the Los Angeles organizing committee, confirmed that Djokovic consistently communicates his intention to compete at future Games.

I'm coming, and I'm playing.