Djokovic rallies past Zverev to reach China Open semi-finals

Novak Djokovic defeated China Open top seed Alexander Zverev in three sets on Sunday, recovering from a slow start to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 and reach the semi-finals in Beijing. The 39-year-old Serbian was broken in the opening game after double-faulting twice, allowing Zverev to control the first set. Djokovic then rebuilt his game and forced a deciding set with a cross-court winner that broke the German’s serve.

Djokovic held firm despite facing 19 aces from the world number two. He moved 5-4 ahead in the final set before breaking Zverev to complete victory in two hours and 34 minutes. The match included an early interruption after Zverev complained about a flicker in the stadium’s LED panels.

The umpire ordered a point to be replayed, prompting boos from sections of the crowd after Djokovic had appeared to win it. Djokovic said the contest was one of his best matches of the year, alongside his five-set victory over Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open. He said the result showed he could still defeat leading players on major stages, although maintaining a consistently high level had become more difficult.

The Serbian said feeling physically strong helped him withstand the match after dealing with health problems during the year. He will next face Daniil Medvedev, who beat Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. Hubert Hurkacz also advanced after defeating Karen Khachanov.

He will play Alex de Minaur, who recovered from losing the first set to beat Andrey Rublev 1-6, 6-2, 6-3. In the women’s draw, Nikola Bartunkova defeated fourth-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-3, while top seed Elena Rybakina had already exited in the second round.