Based on how 2026 has gone so far (and to be fair, the season is almost done), Novak Djokovic should have been no match for Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinal of the China Open. Zverev had won the first two Grand Slams of his career, while Djokovic had struggled with fitness.
Therefore, it might not have been a surprise that the German set the tone early. He broke the Serbian in the opening game of the first set. Despite Djokovic's historically great ability to break serve, he couldn't get back to even against Zverev's high-end metronomic serve, and the German took set one 6-4.
The only stunner was that the seemingly impending loss would be Djokovic's first ever in Beijing after winning 31 straight matches. Zverev still had a lot of work to do to win the match, though.
Novak Djokovic stuns Alexander Zverev at the China Open
Djokovic also had a chance to break in the final game of the set and had two points to do so. Zverev reeled off four straight points, though, to seal the set. (Interestingly, both players finished with 12 winners and seven unforced errors in the opening set.) The near-break at the end of the first set would be a bit of foreshadowing for the end of the second.
Alexander Zverev, of course, has had the best year of any player on the ATP Tour. With the absences of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at some important events, and with one or the other limited somewhat physically, it has been Zverev who has taken advantage. Any player could have, but it was the German who did.
Novak Djokovic, however, hasn't so much dipped in form as he has inevitably begun to show his age. He has struggled with his breathing during many recent matches. Battling the amazing fit Zverev, Djokovic was not only likely to struggle against the German's elite game, but also to be outmatched in energy and consistent court coverage.
And yet, there was the Serb proving his greatness again late in the second set. After each player held serve throughout set two, Djokovic was able to find himself in the same position as in the first set, with multiple break chances. This time, he wouldn't let Zverev off the hook, and Djokovic did get the break to take the set 6-4 and force a decider.
The third set stunningly followed the second set. Just when Zverev appeared to be making a push for a break, Djokovic held. The Serb was simply playing efficient tennis, and arguably his best match of the year. With the German serving at 4-5 in set three, Djokovic got another break to win the set and match. He had won his 32nd straight match in Beijing.
Novak Djokovic will next face Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals of the China Open. The two players have met 15 times before, so they are no strangers to one another. The Serb leads the head-to-head 10-5.
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