Novak Djokovic produced a remarkable comeback to defeat top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the China Open quarter-finals on Sunday. The 39-year-old Serbian, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, extended his winning streak to 32 matches, a run that has firmly endeared him to fans in Beijing. Djokovic's victory sets up a semi-final clash with Daniil Medvedev, a repeat of their Australian Open final encounter earlier this year.
Djokovic described the match as one of his best of the year, citing his ability to adapt and play "high-risk tennis" against the German. He credited his physical condition, despite battling health issues throughout the year, for enabling him to fight back from a set down. Zverev, a decade younger than Djokovic, had broken serve early in the match and boos erupted from the crowd when a disputed point was replayed.
The match was marked by a series of dramatic moments, including Zverev's 19 aces and Djokovic's resilient serving. The Serbian faced significant pressure but ultimately broke Zverev's serve to take the final set and secure victory in two hours and 34 minutes. This win cements Djokovic's reputation as a champion capable of beating the world's best players on the biggest stages.
In the semi-finals, Djokovic will face Medvedev, who defeated Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. The Russian, a former world number one, will look to avenge his loss to Djokovic at the Australian Open. The other semi-final features Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, who beat Karen Khachanov, against Australia's Alex de Minaur, who overcame Andrey Rublev 1-6, 6-2, 6-3.
The women's draw has lost its top two seeds, with Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina both exiting in the third and second rounds respectively. Czech player Nikola Bartunkova, 20, caused a major upset by beating Sabalenka 6-4, 6-3, describing the win as a dream come true. Bartunkova will face Austria's Sinja Kraus in the round of 16.
Mirra Andreeva of Russia, the French Open champion, and Linda Noskova, the Wimbledon champion, both advanced to the fourth round with convincing wins. Andreeva will face Ukraine's Daria Snigur, while Noskova is set to play 28th-ranked Russian player Ekaterina Alexandrova. Naomi Osaka, the 2019 champion, also progressed with a win over Sara Bejlek and will face either Karolina Muchova or a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
The China Open continues to deliver surprises, with several high-profile exits and impressive comebacks. As the tournament reaches its climax, fans in Beijing are eagerly anticipating the semi-final matches and the possibility of another thrilling Djokovic performance.
Key points
- Djokovic's 32-match winning streak continues
- Top two seeds exit women's draw
- Medvedev and Hurkacz reach semi-finals
