Novak Djokovic Overpowers Alexander Zverev to Advance to China Open Semifinals

Novak Djokovic is set to meet Daniil Medvedev in the Beijing semifinals after Medvedev’s victory over Francisco Cerundolo.

Published On 5 Oct 20265 Oct 2026

Novak Djokovic overcame persistent injury concerns to deliver a signature comeback, defeating top‑seeded Alexander Zverev 4‑6, 6‑4, 6‑4 to reach the China Open semifinals and maintain his perfect record at the event.

Competing at the ATP 500 event in Beijing for the first time since 2015, the six‑time champion was tested by reigning French and US Open champion Alexander Zverev, who fired 19 aces during Sunday’s encounter.

Having not faced each other for almost 16 months, Djokovic initially found it hard to cope with Zverev’s power, allowing the 29‑year‑old German to take the first set, yet the Serb steadily found his rhythm and prevented his rival from extending the lead.

“I had a terrible start – two double faults at the beginning. It was quite cold, and honestly, I didn’t feel warmed up, but my fault,” Djokovic said.

“I gave him an early break, and then it was hard to come back in the first set.”

The match was briefly halted after Zverev claimed that the electronic advertising board went dark during a rally and asked for a video review following the lost point.

Replays indicated that a portion of the board had indeed gone dark, though not at the moment Zverev missed his forehand. The chair umpire ordered the point to be replayed, leading to a frustrated exchange involving Djokovic.

Holding My Nerve

The pivotal moment arrived late in the second set when Djokovic broke at 5‑4 to level the match, swinging momentum in his favor after a tightly contested struggle.

With the match finely balanced in the third set, Djokovic broke again at 5‑4 on Zverev’s serve, clinching the decisive break and securing victory in two hours and thirty‑five minutes.

“I was trying to be aggressive and come to the net and change up the pace, not giving the same pattern,” Djokovic said.

“I am just glad that I held my nerves, played good shots at important moments, 5-4 in the second and third.”

The two had not crossed paths since Roland Garros 2025, where Djokovic prevailed in four sets; Sunday’s match once more underscored his capacity to perform under pressure despite a season hampered by physical setbacks.

The win brings Djokovic within reach of a seventh China Open crown and a long‑awaited first title this season, while also thwarting Zverev’s bid to boost his quest for the world No. 1 ranking.

Djokovic will now meet Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals after Medvedev earlier overcame Francisco Cerundolo 7‑6(4), 6‑3.

Rybakina Withdraws from Wuhan Open Following China Open Exit

World No. 1 Elena Rybakina withdrew from the Wuhan Open this month because of a foot injury, organizers said on Sunday, a day after she suffered a surprising opening‑match loss at the China Open.

Rybakina, who fell to world No. 118 Alina Charaeva in Beijing, said she would step away from the tour to recuperate.

“I’m very sorry to the fans who were looking forward to seeing me play,” Rybakina said in a story 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 has been coping with a persistent lower‑leg and foot issue that also caused her to retire from her Cincinnati quarter‑final against Iga Świątek in August.

Despite the setback, Rybakina returned in time for the US Open, capturing her third Grand Slam title, reclaiming the world No. 1 spot and becoming the first player to qualify for the season‑ending WTA Finals.

Rybakina is slated to appear at the Ningbo Open later this month, where she will aim to defend her title.

The Wuhan Open will run from October 12 through October 18.

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