Image Source: BBC
The Beijing Open delivered a dramatic quarter-final as Novak Djokovic fought back from a set down to defeat top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 on 4 October 2026. The victory sent the 39-year-old Serbian into the semi-finals and extended his remarkable unbeaten record in Beijing to 32 matches.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, will now face third seed Daniil Medvedev in the last four. The win also moved him closer to a potential seventh China Open title and offered a welcome boost during a difficult 2026 season affected by inconsistent form and fitness concerns.
Beijing Open comeback changes the semi-final picture
Zverev began strongly in their first meeting in just under 16 months. The German used his power from the baseline to put Djokovic under immediate pressure and earned an early break in the opening game. That advantage proved enough to secure the first set 6-4.
Djokovic gradually found a better rhythm in the second set. The veteran increased the pressure in longer rallies, moved more effectively around the court and waited for an opportunity on Zverev’s serve. At 5-4, he produced the crucial break to level the match.
The deciding set was closely contested, with neither player able to establish a clear advantage for much of the contest. Once again, however, Djokovic showed his experience in the closing stages. He broke Zverev at 5-4 before serving out the match with composure.
According to BBC Sport, Djokovic described the contest as exactly the kind of occasion that continues to motivate him.
“These are the kind of moments that I still play for, compete for,” he said. “The motivation is big when you are feeling good and competing at par with the best players in the world in front of 15,000 people.”
Djokovic keeps seventh China Open title hopes alive
The result is particularly significant because Djokovic has endured a challenging year. Form and fitness have not always been reliable, and he is still searching for his first trophy of 2026. His performance against Zverev, though, suggested that his ability to compete at the highest level remains intact.
“It’s been a struggle this year for different reasons,” Djokovic said after the match. “But I’m still there, still grinding, still making the youngsters work for their money. I’m just glad to push it through.”
His victory also damaged Zverev’s hopes of ending the year as the world’s number one-ranked player. The German had entered the tournament as the top seed, but Djokovic’s experience and late-match execution proved decisive in the quarter-final.
- Novak Djokovic defeated Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
- Djokovic extended his Beijing unbeaten run to 32 matches.
- The Serbian will play Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals.
- Djokovic is chasing a seventh China Open title.
Medvedev advances as other semi-finalists emerge
Medvedev booked his place in the semi-finals earlier in the day with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 victory over Francisco Cerundolo. His meeting with Djokovic promises to be a major test of consistency, patience and defensive skill, with both players known for their ability to absorb pressure during extended rallies.
The other semi-final will feature Hubert Hurkacz and Alex de Minaur. Hurkacz defeated Karen Khachanov 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, while de Minaur recovered from a slow start to beat Andrey Rublev 1-6, 6-2, 6-3.
For Djokovic, the Beijing Open represents an opportunity to turn a difficult season into a memorable late-season run. His comeback against Zverev showed that, even at 39, he remains capable of producing elite tennis when the biggest moments arrive.
FAQs about the Beijing Open
Who did Novak Djokovic beat at the Beijing Open?
Novak Djokovic defeated top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-finals.
Who will Djokovic play next?
Djokovic will face Daniil Medvedev in the Beijing Open semi-finals.
How many consecutive matches has Djokovic won in Beijing?
The victory over Zverev took Djokovic’s unbeaten run in Beijing to 32 matches.
Is Djokovic chasing another China Open title?
Yes. Djokovic moved closer to a seventh China Open title and is also seeking his first trophy of the 2026 season.
