The short version
- Novak Djokovic defeated Alexander Zverev in three sets to advance to the China Open semifinals, extending his winning streak to 32 matches.
- Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina were both eliminated from the tournament, with Sabalenka losing to Nikola Bartunkova in straight sets.
- Daniil Medvedev and Hubert Hurkacz also advanced to the semifinals, setting up a competitive final bracket.
Novak Djokovic continued his remarkable resurgence at the China Open, defeating top seed Alexander Zverev in a thrilling three-set match to reach the semifinals. The 39-year-old Serbian star overcame a slow start and physical challenges to beat the German player 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. This victory extended Djokovic's winning streak to an astonishing 32 matches, showcasing his enduring dominance in professional tennis despite being a decade older than his opponent.
The match began poorly for Djokovic, who double-faulted twice in the opening game, allowing Zverev to break serve immediately. Tensions rose early when Zverev complained about a flicker in the LED panels during play, leading to a point replay that drew boos from the packed Beijing crowd. Zverev capitalized on the momentum to take the first set, but Djokovic displayed resilience, fighting back to win the second set with a decisive cross-court winner. In the final set, Djokovic held steady against 19 of Zverev's aces, breaking serve to secure the match in two hours and 34 minutes.
Djokovic's path to the semifinals was marked by his ability to overcome recent physical difficulties. His victory over Zverev sets up a clash with Daniil Medvedev, who advanced by defeating Francisco Cerúndolo 7-6, 6-3. The other semifinal features Hubert Hurkacz, who beat Karen Khachanov, against Australia's Alex de Minaur. De Minaur survived a grueling three-set battle to defeat Andrey Rublev 1-6, 6-2, 6-3, demonstrating the high level of competition in the tournament.
The women's draw saw significant upsets, with both top seeds eliminated. Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two, crashed out in the third round after a straight-set defeat to 34th-ranked Nikola Bartunkova. The Czech player held her nerve against the former world number one, winning 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 35 minutes. Sabalenka squandered five break points in the sixth game of the first set and struggled with frustration, tossing her racket during the second set before losing on the first match point.
Bartunkova attributed her success to staying calm and focused, acknowledging Sabalenka's legendary status but expressing happiness at the victory. She will next face Austria's Sinja Kraus in the round of 16. The elimination of Sabalenka follows the earlier exit of top seed Elena Rybakina, who was ousted by Alina Charaeva in the second round. Rybakina subsequently withdrew from the Wuhan Open due to a foot injury that had hampered her performance.
The departure of the top two seeds has reshaped the women's tournament, creating opportunities for lower-ranked players to advance. Bartunkova's victory highlights the unpredictable nature of tennis, where form and focus can outweigh ranking advantages. Her ability to defend against Sabalenka's power and capitalize on errors proved decisive in a match that saw both players switch between shade and sun.
Djokovic's performance in Beijing is particularly notable given his first win since July earlier in the tournament. His consistency and mental toughness have allowed him to maintain a long winning streak, defying expectations about age-related decline. The semifinal against Medvedev promises another high-stakes encounter between two of the sport's elite players.
As the China Open progresses, the focus remains on whether Djokovic can continue his run toward the title. His ability to adapt to different playing styles and overcome physical setbacks has been key to his success. The tournament serves as a critical test of his form ahead of the season's final major events.
The unexpected exits of Sabalenka and Rybakina have added drama to the women's draw, while Djokovic's steady advance reinforces his status as a perennial contender. The semifinals will determine who emerges as the tournament champion, with both men's and women's brackets featuring compelling matchups.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Djokovic rolls back years to beat Zverev as Sabalenka swept out in China Open
- BBC Sport↗Sabalenka crashes out of China Open after defeat by Bartunkova
- reuters.com↗Djokovic rallies past Zverev in thriller to reach China Open semi-finals
- espn.com↗Novak Djokovic starts China Open with first win since July
