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At 39 years old, Novak Djokovic proved age is merely a number in professional tennis, dismantling top-seeded Alexander Zverev at the China Open in Beijing. The Serbian champion’s 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory on October 4 showcased the resilience and tactical brilliance that have defined his legendary career, according to reporting from the Jamaica Observer.
Djokovic’s triumph extended an astonishing 32-match winning streak and captivated a packed Beijing crowd who embraced the veteran competitor. The match itself was a masterclass in comebacks—after a shaky opening where he double-faulted twice and surrendered the first set, Djokovic methodically dismantled Zverev’s game over the next two sets. Despite facing 19 aces from his younger opponent, the Serbian held firm on his own serve and broke Zverev’s service in the final set to clinch victory in two hours and 34 minutes.
Djokovic reflected on the win with evident satisfaction, telling reporters the match ranked among his finest performances this year, comparable only to his epic five-set triumph over Italy’s Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open. He acknowledged the physical toll of competing at the highest level while managing health issues throughout 2026, yet emphasized that his body felt "physically pretty good" during the gruelling encounter. The 24-time Grand Slam champion credited his willingness to embrace "high-risk tennis" and varied shot-making as keys to overcoming a player a decade his junior.
Djokovic’s reward is a semi-final showdown with Daniil Medvedev, who advanced by defeating Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. The men’s draw also saw Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz edge past Karen Khachanov to set up a semi-final with Australia’s Alex de Minaur, who survived a gruelling test against Andrey Rublev, winning 1-6, 6-2, 6-3.
The China Open is a prestigious ATP and WTA tennis tournament held annually in Beijing. Djokovic’s 32-match winning streak represents a remarkable resurgence for the Serbian legend, who has managed to maintain elite-level performance despite advancing age and ongoing health concerns throughout 2026.
Sources and attribution
- Jamaica Observer
- Djokovic beats Zverev to reach China Open semis
- Battling Djokovic stuns top seed Zverev at China Open
- www.tennismajors.com › atp › vintage-djokovic-winsTennis, ATP – China Open 2026: Djokovic eliminates Zverev
- Hot News – China Open
- Tennis: Battling Djokovic stuns top seed Zverev at China Open – Omni sports – Sports
- Djokovic defeats top seed Zverev to reach China Open …
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