Djokovic defeats top seed Zverev to reach China Open semifinals
Novak Djokovic defeated top seed Alexander Zverev in a three-set match to reach the China Open semifinals. The match featured a brief controversy regarding malfunctioning electronic signage.
Why it matters
Djokovic's performance demonstrates his continued competitiveness at the elite level despite recent injury concerns and a long absence from this specific tournament.
Novak Djokovic to face Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals in Beijing after the Russian defeats Francisco Cerundolo.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Novak Djokovic, a six-time China Open champion, is playing the ATP 500 event for the first time since 2015 [Tingshu Wang/Reuters] By Reuters Published On 5 Oct 2026 5 Oct 2026 Novak Djokovic has brushed aside ongoing injury-related struggles and produced a trademark comeback to defeat top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 for a place in the China Open semifinals, extending his unbeaten record in the tournament.
Playing the ATP 500 event in Beijing for the first time since 2015, the six-time champion was pushed to the limit by reigning French Open and US Open champion Zverev, who delivered 19 aces in the match on Sunday.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Battling Djokovic stuns top seed Zverev at China Open
China Open: Zverev sets up Djokovic showdown as Rybakina crashes out in Beijing
Aryna Sabalenka swept out of China Open in straight-sets defeat by Nikola Bartunkova
What happened the last time Novak Djokovic faced Alexander Zverev as they meet again at the China Open
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