Djokovic Rallies Past Zverev to Reach China Open Semifinals, Keeps Unbeaten Beijing Record Intact

Novak Djokovic produced a characteristic fighting display to come from a set down and defeat top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the China Open quarterfinals on Sunday, preserving his perfect record at the ATP 500 tournament and moving within two wins of a seventh title in Beijing.

The Serbian, who is competing at the event for the first time since 2015, needed two hours and 35 minutes to subdue the German in a contest that swung repeatedly before the former world number one asserted himself in the closing stages. The victory extended Djokovic's unbeaten run at the China Open, a tournament he has won on six previous occasions.

The match represented the first meeting between the two men in nearly 16 months, their last encounter having come at Roland Garros in 2025, where Djokovic also prevailed, albeit in four sets on clay. Sunday's hard-court battle followed a similar pattern, with Zverev's early dominance giving way to Djokovic's superior consistency and tactical adjustment as the match wore on.

Djokovic's start was far from assured. He conceded two double faults in his opening service game and was broken early, allowing the 29-year-old Zverev to dictate proceedings with his trademark heavy hitting from the baseline. The opening set slipped away, and Djokovic later admitted that the cold conditions in Beijing contributed to a slow beginning.

"I had a terrible start – two double faults at the beginning," Djokovic said afterward. "It was quite cold, and honestly, I didn't feel warmed up, but my fault. I gave him an early break, and then it was hard to come back in the first set."

The contest was briefly overshadowed by a controversial moment when Zverev protested that electronic advertising signage had darkened during a rally. After losing the point, the German requested a video review, and replays confirmed that a section of the signage had indeed switched off, though not at the exact moment Zverev missed a forehand. The chair umpire ruled that the point should be replayed, a decision that drew a frustrated response from Djokovic.

Despite the disruption, Djokovic gradually found his rhythm. The turning point arrived late in the second set, when he secured a break at 5-4 to level the match at one set apiece. That breakthrough shifted the momentum firmly in his favour, and he carried it into the deciding set, where neither player was able to establish a decisive advantage until the closing stages.

With the score locked at 5-4 in the third, Djokovic struck again on the Zverev serve, converting his opportunity to seal the victory and deny the top seed a chance to force a tiebreak. It was a familiar story of the Serbian raising his level at the most critical moments, a trait that has defined his career.

"I was trying to be aggressive and come to the net and change up the pace, not giving the same pattern," Djokovic explained. "I am just glad that I held my nerves, played good shots at important moments, 5-4 in the second and third."

The win keeps Djokovic on course for a seventh China Open crown and a first trophy of a season that has been repeatedly disrupted by physical problems. The 38-year-old has struggled with undisclosed health issues throughout the year, acknowledging that "this year has been a big, big struggle for me." His ability to compete at this level despite those setbacks underscores both his durability and his continued hunger for titles.

For Zverev, the defeat represents a missed opportunity to strengthen his pursuit of the world number one ranking. The German arrived in Beijing as the top seed and had looked commanding in the early stages, but he was unable to sustain his level against an opponent renowned for his resilience. The loss will be particularly frustrating given that Zverev held the initiative for much of the first set and had chances to pressure Djokovic further.

Djokovic will next face Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals after the Russian defeated Francisco Cerundolo 7-6(4), 6-3 earlier in the day. Medvedev, a former world number one and US Open champion, represents a formidable obstacle, and the matchup promises a contrast in styles between Djokovic's defensive versatility and Medvedev's flat, penetrating groundstrokes.

The other semifinal will proceed without world number one Elena Rybakina, who withdrew from the upcoming Wuhan Open due to a foot injury, tournament organisers confirmed on Sunday. The announcement came just a day after Rybakina suffered a shock defeat to world number 118 Alina Charaeva in her opening match at the China Open, a result that raised immediate questions about her fitness.

Rybakina, who has been managing a lingering lower leg and foot problem, said she would take time away from competition to recover. "I'm very sorry to the fans who were looking forward to seeing me play," she said in a statement posted on the tournament's Instagram account. "I'll take some time to rest and recover. Thank you for your understanding and continued support."

The 27-year-old's injury troubles are not new. She was forced to retire from her Cincinnati quarterfinal against Iga Swiatek in August due to the same issue, but recovered in time for the US Open, where she claimed her third Grand Slam title, rose to world number one, and became the first player to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals. Her withdrawal from Wuhan is a significant blow to the tournament, which is scheduled to run from October 12 to 18.

Rybakina is next expected to compete at the Ningbo Open in China, where she will attempt to defend her title. Whether she will be fit enough to take the court remains uncertain, and her team will likely monitor her recovery closely in the coming weeks.

For Djokovic, the focus remains on the immediate challenge of Medvedev and the prospect of ending a barren season with a title in Beijing. The Serbian's unbeaten record at the China Open is a source of confidence, but he will be aware that Medvedev possesses the game to disrupt his rhythm. Their semifinal encounter will test both men's tactical acumen and physical endurance, with a place in the final and a significant psychological boost on the line.

As the tournament enters its decisive phase, Djokovic's comeback against Zverev serves as a reminder of his capacity to deliver under pressure, even when his body and his form are not at their peak. Whether that will be enough to secure a seventh title in Beijing remains to be seen, but his victory on Sunday underlined that he cannot be counted out.