Alexander Zverev joins unwanted list after losing to Novak Djokovic at the China Open
Tennis star Alexander Zverev has set an unwanted record by losing 10 matches to top 20 players for the second consecutive year. Despite his high ranking, Zverev has struggled against elite competition, particularly against world number one Jannik Sinner.
Why it matters
The statistic highlights the competitive volatility at the top of the ATP Tour and raises questions about the consistency of top-ranked players in high-stakes matchups.
Alexander Zverev will not be happy about becoming part of this group following his recent defeat.
Zverev is bidding to end the year as world number one, as he tracks down the currently injured Jannik Sinner .
The German's hopes of becoming world number one took a hit in Beijing, where Zverev was beaten by Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.
Not only does this mean Zverev is out of the China Open , but the world number two has also set an unwanted tennis record.
Zverev's defeat to Djokovic , who is currently the world number 11, is his 10th defeat of the 2026 season against a top 20 player. Last year, Zverev lost 15 matches against top 20 players and he has now joined Stefan Edberg as part of an unwanted record.
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Djokovic defeats top seed Zverev to reach China Open semifinals
China Open: Daniil Medvedev defaulted from Novak Djokovic match after hitting spectator with ball
Battling Djokovic stuns top seed Zverev at China Open
Daniil Medvedev disqualified at China Open after ball hits spectator
Daniil Medvedev defaulted for hitting spectator with ball as Novak Djokovic reaches another China Open final
Daniil Medvedev loses to Novak Djokovic in unexpected way at China Open
Medvedev disqualified after hitting spectator with ball; Djokovic ‘shocked’ - Watch
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