{
  "id": 11579538,
  "title": "Djokovic survives medical timeout and three-set battle to keep perfect Beijing record alive",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/djokovic-survives-medical-timeout-and-three-set-battle-to-keep",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T02:01:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/10/03/djokovic-survives-medical-timeout-and-three-set-battle-to-keep-perfect-beijing-record-alive/237473"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "BEIJING, Oct 3 — Novak Djokovic endured a challenging match against newcomer Bu Yunchaokete, emerging victorious in a three-set battle to maintain his perfect Beijing record. The 39-year-old Serbian, a favorite in China, had never lost in the city in 31 matches. Bu, 24, made a strong showing, keeping Djokovic on his toes throughout the grueling two-hour 52-minute contest. The former world number one required a medical timeout for his torso after losing a break in the second set, but regained control in a tense tie-break to force a deciding third. Djokovic then won four games in a row, holding serve and sealing victory with a backhand winner. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, he praised the electric atmosphere and expressed his commitment to his game rather than his health concerns. Djokovic will face either Alexander Zverev, the top seed, or Shang Juncheng in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the China Open title final after defeating Renata Zarazua 6-1, 6-3, setting her up for a match against Czech player Nikola Bartunkova. Earlier in the day, Naomi Osaka and Mirra Andreeva also progressed in their respective women's matches, setting up future encounters with Sara Bejlek and Linda Noskova.",
  "summary": "BEIJING, Oct 3 — Novak Djokovic survived a scare to beat outsider Bu Yunchaokete 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 in the second...",
  "key_points": [
    "Djokovic wins 3-set match to keep perfect Beijing record at 31-0",
    "39-year-old Serbian requires medical timeout during second set",
    "Djokovic wins fourth consecutive games to clinch victory"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Djokovic's win keeps him on track to potentially face top seed Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals, maintaining his strong record in Beijing and setting up a possible high-profile matchup.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Djokovic says season has been 'a big, big struggle' after latest medical timeout",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/djokovic-says-season-has-been-a-big-big-struggle-after-latest-medical",
        "published": "2026-10-03T01:02:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}