Novak Djokovic came from a set down to defeat top seed Alexander Zverev and secure a place in the China Open semi-finals in Beijing.
The 39-year-old Serbian star recorded a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over the world No. 2, extending his unbeaten run in Beijing to 32 matches, according to BBC Sport.
Djokovic will face third seed Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals as he continues his pursuit of a seventh China Open title and his first trophy of the 2026 season.
Zverev made the stronger start in their first meeting in nearly 16 months, taking advantage of an early break to claim the opening set 6-4.
Djokovic turns match around after losing opening set
Djokovic gradually found his rhythm in the second set and made his breakthrough at a crucial moment. With Zverev serving at 4-5, the 24-time Grand Slam champion broke the German to take the set 6-4 and force a decider.
The third set remained closely contested, with little separating the two players until Djokovic again applied pressure with Zverev serving at 4-5.
The Serbian converted his opportunity to close out another 6-4 set and complete the comeback.
“These are the kind of moments that I still play for, compete for,” Djokovic said after the victory, according to BBC Sport.
Djokovic acknowledged that the 2026 season has presented challenges with both his form and fitness but said he remains motivated by competing against the world’s leading players.
The victory also dealt a setback to Zverev’s push to finish the season as the world’s No. 1-ranked player.
Medvedev awaits Djokovic in Beijing semi-final
Djokovic will next face Daniil Medvedev, who secured his place in the last four with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 victory over Francisco Cerundolo.
The Serbian remains undefeated in 32 matches in Beijing and is now two victories away from adding another China Open title to his career record.
In the other quarter-finals, Hubert Hurkacz defeated Karen Khachanov 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 to advance.
Hurkacz will face Alex de Minaur in the other semi-final after the Australian recovered from a difficult opening set to defeat Andrey Rublev 1-6, 6-2, 6-3.
