Novak Djokovic looked in real danger of losing one of the greatest records in tennis when Alexander Zverev took the opening set in Beijing. Instead, the 39-year-old produced another trademark comeback, overturning the deficit to keep his perfect China Open record intact and move beyond Rafael Nadal in a statistic that had stood for years. Djokovic now owns an extraordinary 32 consecutive wins at the tournament.
Djokovic overturns Zverev ‘s strong start in Beijing
Zverev made the better start in the China Open quarter-final, breaking Djokovic early and taking the opening set 6-4 as the German put genuine pressure on the Serbian’s previously unblemished record in Beijing.Djokovic gradually found another level as the match developed, becoming more effective during the longer rallies and taking advantage whenever Zverev’s level dipped at crucial moments.The second set remained on serve until the tenth game, when Zverev found himself serving to stay in the set and Djokovic seized the opportunity with the only break he needed.The Serbian forced errors from Zverev at the key moment, securing the break and drawing the match level at one set apiece with another 6-4 scoreline.The deciding set followed a similar pattern, with neither player able to create a decisive advantage for much of the contest as Zverev continued to push Djokovic towards another difficult finish.At 4-5, however, Zverev faltered while serving to remain in the match, allowing Djokovic to break once again and complete the comeback with a third consecutive 6-4 set score.The 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory sends Djokovic into the China Open semi-finals, while continuing a remarkable run that has now stretched to 32 victories without a single defeat in Beijing.
Tennis – China Open – National Tennis Center, Beijing, China – October 4, 2026 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Germany’s Alexander Zverev after winning their quarterfinal match REUTERS/Tingshu Wang
Djokovic moves beyond Nadal’s record
The victory takes Djokovic to 32-0 at the China Open, moving him beyond Nadal’s previous Open Era record for consecutive wins at a single tournament without suffering a defeat.Nadal had previously held the mark with 31 consecutive victories at Roland Garros, a run that eventually ended when Robin Soderling defeated him in the fourth round in 2009.Djokovic had already drawn level with that record during the current tournament, coming from a set down against China’s Yunchaokete Bu in the round of 16 to win 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 and reach 31-0 in Beijing.
Tennis – China Open – National Tennis Center, Beijing, China – October 4, 2026 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his quarterfinal match against Germany’s Alexander Zverev REUTERS/
He has now moved beyond Nadal’s mark only one match later, although the record has required Djokovic to produce back-to-back comebacks during his return to the Chinese capital.The victory over Zverev also means Djokovic has won all 32 matches he has played at the China Open, extending a tournament record that began during his first appearances in Beijing.
Djokovic’s extraordinary Beijing record continues after long absence
The achievement becomes even more striking because Djokovic had not played at the China Open since 2015, when he claimed his sixth title at the event.His previous Beijing championships came in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, giving him a perfect record across six previous appearances before returning for the 2026 edition.Djokovic entered this year’s tournament with a 29-0 record in Beijing and has now added three more victories to that run, with his latest two matches both requiring three sets to preserve the unbeaten streak