Novak Djokovic produced another remarkable comeback in Beijing, defeating Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the China Open 2026 quarter-finals to reach the last four and break Rafael Nadal’s long-standing record for the most consecutive wins at a single tournament without defeat.
The victory took Djokovic’s China Open record to an extraordinary 32-0, making him the first man in the Open Era to win 32 matches at an event before suffering a defeat. Nadal had previously held the record with 31 consecutive victories at Roland Garros before his run ended against Robin Soderling in the fourth round in 2009.
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The achievement is even more remarkable given Djokovic’s long absence from Beijing. The 39-year-old returned to the China Open this year for the first time since 2015, when he won his sixth title at the tournament. He had previously lifted the trophy in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Djokovic had entered the 2026 edition with a 29-0 record in Beijing from his six previous appearances.
His perfect record came under serious threat against Zverev, however. The German top seed made the stronger start, taking the opening set 6-4 after breaking Djokovic early. The Serbian was forced to find another level against a player who had arrived in Beijing in excellent form.
DJOKOVIC FINDS ANOTHER GEAR AGAINST ZVEREV
Djokovic gradually turned the contest around, becoming increasingly effective in the longer rallies and taking advantage when Zverev’s level dipped at crucial moments.
The second set remained on serve until the decisive 10th game. With Zverev serving to stay in the set, Djokovic pounced, forcing errors from the German to secure the only break he needed and level the match at one set apiece.
The third set followed a similar pattern. Zverev again looked capable of forcing a decider, but Djokovic remained composed when it mattered most. At 4-5, the German faltered while serving to stay in the match, allowing Djokovic to break once more and complete a stunning comeback with another 6-4 set.
The comeback also continued a remarkable trend for Djokovic in Beijing. He had already come from a set down against China’s Yunchaokete Bu in the round of 16, winning 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 to reach 31-0 and equal Nadal’s previous record.
Djokovic will now face Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals. The Russian, the third seed, defeated Francisco Cerundolo 7-6(4), 6-3 earlier on Sunday to book his place in the last four.
– Ends
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