Djokovic defeats top seed Zverev to reach China Open semifinals | Tennis

Novak Djokovic to face Daniil Medvedev within the semifinals in Beijing after the Russian defeats Francisco Cerundolo.

Novak Djokovic has brushed apart ongoing injury-related struggles and produced a trademark comeback to defeat high seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 for a spot within the China Open semifinals, extending his unbeaten report within the match.

Enjoying the ATP 500 occasion in Beijing for the primary time since 2015, the six-time champion was pushed to the restrict by reigning French Open and US Open champion Zverev, who delivered 19 aces within the match on Sunday.

Assembly for the primary time in practically 16 months, Djokovic struggled to include the German’s energy within the early phases because the 29-year-old Zverev claimed the opening set, however the Serb regularly labored his approach into the match and refused to let his opponent draw back.

“I had a horrible begin – two double faults at the start. It was fairly chilly, and actually, I didn’t really feel warmed up, however my fault,” Djokovic stated.

“I gave him an early break, after which it was laborious to come back again within the first set.”

The competition was briefly interrupted by a second of controversy when Zverev argued that the digital promoting signage had gone darkish throughout a rally and requested a video overview after shedding the purpose.

Replays confirmed a piece of the signage had switched off though not as Zverev was lacking the forehand. The chair umpire ordered the purpose to be replayed, prompting a pissed off trade from Djokovic.

‘Held my nerves’

The turning level got here late within the second set when Djokovic broke at 5-4 to stage the match, shifting the momentum in his favour after a tightly contested battle.

With little separating the pair within the third, the Serbian struck once more at 5-4 on the Zverev serve, securing the decisive break to seal the victory in two hours and 35 minutes.

“I used to be attempting to be aggressive and are available to the web and alter up the tempo, not giving the identical sample,” Djokovic stated.

“I’m simply glad that I held my nerves, performed good pictures at vital moments, 5-4 within the second and third.”

The pair had not met since Roland Garros in 2025, the place Djokovic gained in 4 units, and Sunday’s encounter once more highlighted the Serb’s skill to ship underneath strain regardless of a season disrupted by bodily points.

With the victory, Djokovic moved a step nearer to a seventh China Open title and an elusive first trophy of the 12 months whereas denying Zverev one other alternative to strengthen his bid for the world primary rating.

Djokovic will face Daniil Medvedev within the semifinals after the Russian defeated Francisco Cerundolo 7-6(4), 6-3 earlier.

Rybakina withdraws from Wuhan after China Open exit

World primary Elena Rybakina withdrew from this month’s Wuhan Open as a result of a foot harm, match organisers stated on Sunday, a day after the Kazakh suffered a shock defeat in her opening match on the China Open.

Rybakina, who misplaced to world quantity 118 Alina Charaeva in Beijing, stated she would take time away from competitors to get better.

“I’m very sorry to the followers who have been wanting ahead to seeing me play,” Rybakina stated in a narrative posted on the match’s Instagram account.

“I’ll take a while to relaxation and get better. Thanks to your understanding and continued assist.”

The 27-year-old has been managing a lingering decrease leg and foot downside that additionally pressured her to retire from her Cincinnati quarterfinal towards Iga Swiatek in August.

Regardless of the setback, Rybakina recovered in time for the US Open, the place she claimed her third Grand Slam title, rose to world primary and have become the primary participant to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals.

Rybakina is subsequent anticipated to compete this month within the Ningbo Open in China, the place she’s going to attempt to defend her title.

The Wuhan Open is scheduled to happen from October 12 to 18.