Novak Djokovic Stuns Alexander Zverev to Reach Beijing Open Semifinals
· Yahoo Sports
In one of his best performances this year, Novak Djokovic is once again in the semifinals at the Beijing Open after overcoming World No. 2 Alexander Zverev in a tight three-set match 4-6 6-4 6-4.
The Serbian, now 32-0 at the tournament, came from a set down to secure his joint-best win of the season by ranking and reach the semifinals in Beijing for the seventh time in his career.
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Djokovic Completes Stunning Comeback Against Zverev
How the Match Unfolded
Coming into the match as the clear underdog, Djokovic started as the more nervous player, committing double faults in his very first service game. That blip in focus would prove too costly for the Serbian, as he was broken in the very first game of the match. Up a break, Zverev started playing more freely and gave Djokovic very few chances on return. That early break of serve would ultimately prove critical, as Zverev used it to seal the first set 6-4.
By the time the second set started, Djokovic began to play more freely himself, serving well and arguably being the better player from the back of the court. With good serving dominating the early part of the set, the turning point of the match would come at 4-4, with Djokovic serving to go up 5-4.
At that point, Zverev would generate a break point, with Djokovic virtually one point away from losing the match. Not only would Djokovic save it, but in the very next return game, he produced some great returns to set up multiple set points. Although Zverev would serve exceptionally in the second set, the pressure would ultimately be too much for the German, as Djokovic converted his first set point to tie the match at one set all.
Jan 22, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action against Francesco Maestrelli of Italy in the second round of the men’s singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn ImagesWith this now being anyone’s match, neither player wanted to slip up early. Although Zverev did find himself with a break opportunity in the third game of the final set, Djokovic would save it to keep the match on serve.
Most of the set would once again be dominated by the two players serving exceptionally well, with the set reaching a crucial tenth game on the German’s serve. For the first time in the third set, Djokovic would get himself into a return game, sensing the pressure of the moment. And once again, under pressure, it would be Djokovic who would prevail, securing a crucial break of serve to complete a remarkable victory.
The Last Word
It is another iconic win for Djokovic, who keeps redefining what can be done in tennis at his age. The Serbian produced a “streets won’t forget” moment to start the year against Jannik Sinner, and here in Beijing, he gets another one against arguably the most in-form tennis player on the tour currently. Djokovic also continues his unbeaten record at this tournament, with a meeting with Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals up next for the former World No. 1.
For Zverev, this loss means that despite Sinner not playing for over three months now, the German still won’t be World No. 1 by the end of the Asian swing, as he had to win both the Beijing and Shanghai Opens to accomplish that. Now it remains to be seen when the Italian will be back and if we will once again get a down-to-the-wire year-end No. 1 race this year.
Main Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images