Novak Djokovic turned back the clock on Sunday, overcoming French Open and US Open champion Alexander Zverev in a three‑set battle (4-6, 6-4, 6-4) to secure his place in the semi‑finals of the China Open. The 39‑year‑old Serbian not only advanced but also etched a new record in the Open Era, becoming the first man to start a tour‑level event with a flawless 32‑0 run in Beijing. This achievement nudged him past Rafael Nadal, who previously held the best start at a single tournament with a 31‑match winning streak at Roland Garros.
Djokovic’s dominance in Beijing is already legendary. He has claimed the title six times, and before this week he had never lost a match at the venue, boasting a 29‑0 record from his previous appearances. His last visit to the city dated back to 2015, when he defeated Nadal in the final to capture his sixth crown there. Reflecting on his opening games, Djokovic admitted the start was rocky: “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.” Yet he quickly found his rhythm, breaking Zverev early in the second set and eventually turning the tide. The two players had not faced each other since the 2023 French Open, a match that Djokovic won in four sets. Their reunion in Beijing was marked by Zverev’s powerful baseline play, which gave him the first set.
However, the Serbian’s experience and tactical versatility began to surface as the match progressed. After a tense first set that saw Djokovic miss several break points while Zverev served for the set at 5‑4, the Serbian settled into a smoother cadence, particularly on his serve. He described the shift: “I kind of felt already from midway through the first set that I was starting to get a good rhythm, at least on my serve and on serve plus one.” The pivotal moment arrived late in the second set. Djokovic broke Zverev’s serve at 5‑4, equalising the match and stealing momentum.
The third set proved equally tight, but once again Djokovic seized the crucial break at 5‑4, sealing the victory and sending the Beijing crowd into a frenzy. This win not only moved him a step closer to a seventh China Open title—a feat that would further cement his status as the tournament’s most successful competitor—but also denied Zverev a valuable chance to bolster his campaign for the world No. 1 ranking.
Beyond the immediate implications, Djokovic’s triumph carries historical weight. He became only the third player in ATP history since 1973 to notch a top‑three win after turning 39, joining the likes of Ken Rosewall and Jimmy Connors. Speaking to the press, he emphasized how moments like these keep his passion alive: “To be honest, these are the kind of moments that I still play for, compete for.
The motivation is big obviously when you are feeling good and competing at par with the best players in the world, in front of 15,000 people of course. These are the kind of moments that define dreams, I think, of every tennis player.” He also acknowledged the challenges of the season, noting the physical and mental hurdles he has faced, yet reaffirmed his determination to keep grinding. Former British No.
1 Annabel Croft, speaking on Sky Sports Tennis, praised the encounter as an "incredible contest" and highlighted the quality of tennis on display. She observed, “Some high‑quality, absolutely fantastic tennis between two brilliant players. Why would you ever doubt Novak Djokovic even at the age of 39? The match got better and better as well, and had some different tactical shifts for Djokovic, who after the long physical points, I thought his legs were tiring, but he came back.
He threw in some drop shots, he threw in some serve‑and‑volleys early in the second set and just changed things up with the pattern of play. Djokovic came up with the answers.
It was on a knife edge right to the end but what a finish and what a treat for all those fans in Beijing." Looking ahead, Djokovic’s next challenge will be a semi‑final clash with Daniil Medvedev, who advanced after a straight‑sets win over Francisco Cerundolo (7‑6(4), 6‑3). A victory would set up a potential final showdown that could see Djokovic chase his seventh China Open trophy and possibly secure his first title of the 2024 season. The broader context of the tournament also featured other notable storylines. In Beijing’s sister event, the Japan Open, top seed Carlos Alcaraz breezed through his quarter‑final in just 83 minutes, advancing after Denis Shapovalov retired while trailing 7‑6(3), 2‑1.
Fans worldwide can follow the ongoing action via streaming platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, which provide live coverage of both the WTA and ATP draws, including the China Open and the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters. Statistically, Djokovic’s 32‑0 run in Beijing now sits alongside other remarkable unbeaten streaks: Monica Seles’ 34‑0 start at the Australian Open, Rafael Nadal’s 31‑0 run at Roland Garros, and Novak’s own record in Beijing. These figures underscore the rarity of such dominance and highlight the extraordinary level of consistency required to maintain an unbeaten streak deep into a tournament.
In summary, Novak Djokovic’s victory over Alexander Zverev was more than just a win; it was a statement of enduring excellence, tactical adaptability, and mental resilience. By overcoming early setbacks, adjusting his strategy mid‑match, and delivering under pressure, he reinforced his reputation as one of the sport’s all‑time greats.
As the semi‑finals approach, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if the Serbian can continue his historic run and add yet another chapter to his already illustrious career.