Novak Djokovic is greeted by Alexander Zverev after winning in the men’s singles quarterfinals match at the China Open. (AP Photo)
Novak Djokovic produced another trademark comeback to defeat top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 and reach the China Open semifinals on Sunday, maintaining his unbeaten record at the Beijing tournament on his return after a decade-long absence. With the score tied at 4-4, Djokovic raised his level and broke Zverev at 5-4 to draw level and shift the momentum. The key moment came late in the second set.
But Djokovic once again delivered when it mattered most, breaking Zverev at 5-4 to seal a hard-fought victory. Bartunkova, 20, completed the upset in one hour and 35 minutes. Zverev’s power troubled Djokovic early on as the German secured the opening set. The Serbian, however, refused to let the match slip away and steadily found his rhythm. The third set remained tightly contested, with neither player able to create much separation. The victory keeps Djokovic’s perfect China Open record intact and moves him closer to a seventh title at the tournament. It also keeps alive his pursuit of a first trophy of the year. Sabalenka was broken in the opening game and failed to convert any of five break points in the sixth game of the first set.