Indestructible Djokovic: A Great Comeback and Tactical Masterclass Against Zverev
Novak Djokovic proves once again that time can do nothing to him. Although the bookmakers underestimated him by setting his odds at 3.50, he managed to turn the match around against Alexander Zverev and win 2-1 (4-6, 6-4, 6-4).
Zverev opened the first set excellently with an early break and held the strings of the game in his hands until 5-4. When the German served for the set, Djokovic went 15-40 up, but failed to capitalize on the opportunities, allowing Zverev to win the first set 6-4. In the second set, both players safely held their serves until 5-4 for Djokovic. When Zverev served to stay in the set, Djokovic found a way, broke the serve, and won the set 6-4, leveling the match at 1-1 in sets. The deciding third set was an exact copy of the second; they played safely on their serves until 5-4, and then Zverev faltered again under the immense pressure of serving to stay in the match. Djokovic took the break, won the set 6-4, and secured his spot in the semi-finals.
Statistics Revealing Novak’s Genius
Although Zverev dominated on his serve with as many as 19 aces (compared to Novak’s 4) and an incredible 80% first serve in, Djokovic’s baseline game and efficiency were decisive. Novak was significantly more lethal when his first serve landed in, winning an impressive 82% of those points, compared to Zverev’s 71%.
The German converted only 1 out of 4 break points (the early one in the first set), while Djokovic capitalized on 2 out of 5 opportunities – and with surgical precision, exactly when Zverev was serving to stay in the second and third sets. The ultimate proof of Novak’s stability and dominance in the rallies is reflected in the total points won during the match: 95 against 85 in favor of the Serbian tennis player.
De Minaur Breaks Rublev After a Poor Start
Alex De Minaur achieved a massive victory against Andrey Rublev, winning 2-1 (1-6, 6-2, 6-3). The Australian lost the first set very easily 6-1, but returned with the same force in the second set to dominate it 6-2. In the third set, De Minaur immediately grabbed a break at the start to take a 2-0 lead, but Rublev instantly fired back. However, the Australian maintained his composure until the end of the match, secured another break, and later successfully served out the match for a final 6-3 in the deciding set.
Routine Wins for Hurkacz and Medvedev
There were no surprises in the remaining two quarter-final matches. Hubert Hurkacz defeated Karen Khachanov 2-0 in sets. The first set was decided in a tie-break, which the Pole dominantly won 7-2, while in the second set, he confirmed his victory and progression to the semi-finals with a smooth 6-2.
Daniil Medvedev was also better than the Argentine Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets, winning 2-0. The Russian tennis player won the first set in a tie-break 7-4, and was much more secure in the second set, taking it 6-3.
Semi-final Schedule (October 5)
Tomorrow, spectacular semi-final clashes are scheduled at the China Open:
- 09:00 – A. De Minaur vs H. Hurkacz
- 13:00 – N. Djokovic vs D. Medvedev
For all details, match analysis, and semi-final previews, check out our main guide: 👉 ATP Beijing 2026 – Complete Guide and Draw.
