Djokovic Stuns Zverev in Epic Comeback, Surpasses Nadal’s Record in Beijing

Novak Djokovic continued his remarkable China Open campaign with another stunning comeback, defeating Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the 2026 quarter-finals to reach the semi-finals and rewrite another chapter in tennis history.

The victory extended Djokovic’s unbeaten China Open record to 32 matches, taking him past Rafael Nadal’s previous mark for the most consecutive victories at a single tournament without a defeat. Nadal had won 31 straight matches at Roland Garros before losing to Robin Soderling in the fourth round in 2009.

Djokovic’s achievement is particularly impressive given his long absence from Beijing. The 39-year-old was competing at the China Open for the first time since 2015, when he captured his sixth title at the event. He had also won the tournament in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Entering this year’s competition, Djokovic had already won all 29 matches he had played in Beijing. His perfect record appeared to be in danger when Zverev made a strong start in their quarter-final.

The German took control early and secured the opening set 6-4, putting Djokovic under pressure. But the Serbian gradually changed the momentum, finding greater consistency in extended exchanges and capitalising on Zverev’s mistakes at crucial stages.

Djokovic Turns Match Around

The second set stayed level until the closing stages. With Zverev serving at 4-5, Djokovic raised his intensity, forced the German into errors and earned the decisive break to draw level.

The third set followed a similar script, with neither player able to establish a clear advantage for much of the set. Djokovic remained patient and waited for his opportunity.

That chance came when Zverev served at 4-5. Djokovic again applied pressure, secured the break and closed out the match 6-4 to complete another impressive comeback.

It was Djokovic’s second consecutive comeback victory in Beijing. In the previous round, he had recovered from losing the opening set against Chinese player Yunchaokete Bu, eventually winning 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2. That victory had taken him to 31-0 in Beijing, matching Nadal’s record.

Now, with 32 consecutive victories at the tournament, Djokovic stands alone at the top of the Open Era record.

The Serbian will next face Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals. The third-seeded Russian advanced to the last four after beating Francisco Cerundolo 7-6(4), 6-3 earlier on Sunday.