Djokovic beats Zverev to reach China Open semis
Novak Djokovic's quest to win a first trophy of 2026 continues with a hard-fought victory in the quarter-finals of the China Open.
Novak Djokovic defeated top seed Alexander Zverev to advance to the China Open semi-finals. The 39-year-old Serbian won 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, setting up a clash with Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic admitted the victory was crucial, saying, "These are the kind of moments that I still play for, compete for." He added, "The motivation is big when you are feeling good and competing at par with the best players in the world."
In their first meeting in nearly 16 months, Djokovic initially struggled against Zverev's power but eventually secured the first set and broke Zverev's serve in the second to level the match. Djokovic's win gives him 32 unbeaten matches in Beijing, bringing him closer to a seventh China Open title.
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- Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka, WTA world No. 1 and No. 2, out of China Open sports.yahoo.com
- Sabalenka swept out of China Open in third round freemalaysiatoday.com
- Djokovic beats Zverev to reach China Open semis bbc.co.uk
