Novak Djokovic broke Rafael Nadal’s record with an impressive comeback win against Alexander Zverev

Novak Djokovic staged another remarkable comeback in Beijing, defeating Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 China Open to reach the last four and break Rafael Nadal’s long-standing record for most consecutive unbeaten tournament wins.

The victory took Djokovic’s China Open record to an extraordinary 32-0, making him the first man in the Open Era to win 32 matches at the event before suffering defeat. Nadal previously held the record with 31 consecutive wins at Roland Garros before his run ended against Robin Soderling in the fourth round in 2009.

Also read: Fariba Hashimi: Afghan cyclist who got out of prison and learned to fly

The achievement is all the more remarkable given Djokovic’s long absence from Beijing. The 39-year-old returned to the China Open this year for the first time since 2015, when he won his sixth title at the tournament. He previously lifted the trophy in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Djokovic entered 2026 with a 29-0 record in Beijing from his six previous appearances.

However, his perfect record was seriously threatened against Zverev. The German seed got off to a better start and won the opening set 6-4 after breaking Djokovic early. The Serb was forced to find another level against a player who arrived in Beijing in excellent form.

DJOKOVIC WILL FIND ANOTHER GEAR AGAINST ZVEREV

Djokovic gradually turned the match around, becoming increasingly effective in longer rallies and taking advantage when Zverev’s level dropped at crucial moments.

The second set remained on serve until the decisive 10th game. With Zverev serving to stay in the set, Djokovic pounced and forced the German into errors to secure the only break needed to level the match at one set apiece.

The third set had a similar course. Zverev once again looked capable of taking the decider, but Djokovic remained composed when it mattered most. At 4-5, the German faltered on serve to stay in the match, allowing Djokovic to break once more and complete a stunning comeback with another set 6-4.

The comeback also continued Djokovic’s remarkable trend in Beijing. He had already come from a set down against China’s Yunchaokete Bu in the round of 16, winning 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 to reach 31-0 and equal Nadal’s previous record.

Djokovic will now face Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals. The third-seeded Russian defeated Francisco Cerundolo 7-6(4), 6-3 on Sunday to secure a place in the last four.

– The end