Alexander Zverev has already handed Novak Djokovic the favourite tag ahead of their China Open quarterfinal, despite entering the match as the No. 2 seed and highest-ranked player left in the draw. The German believes Djokovic's perfect record in Beijing gives the 24-time Grand Slam champion the edge, adding an intriguing dynamic to one of the tournament's biggest matches.
Zverev has reached the last eight without dropping a set, opening his campaign with a 7-6, 6-4 victory over Cameron Norrie before beating Juncheng Shang 6-0, 6-3. Djokovic has taken a more complicated route, defeating Nuno Borges in straight sets before coming from behind to beat Yunchaokete Bu in three sets.
The quarterfinal will be their first meeting since Roland Garros 2025, when Djokovic defeated Zverev in four sets. The Serbian leads their overall head-to-head 9-5 and has also won seven of their 11 meetings on hard courts. Those numbers already give Djokovic the historical advantage, but Zverev believes there is another factor that makes Beijing particularly favourable to his opponent.
Djokovic has never lost at the China Open, carrying a remarkable 31-0 record into this year's tournament. Zverev therefore sees the Serbian's history at the event as something that cannot simply be ignored, even with the German arriving in strong form and holding the higher ranking.
Zverev gives Djokovic the edge
Zverev has been particularly efficient since arriving in Beijing, conceding just seven games in his second match and moving through the draw without being forced to play a deciding set. Djokovic, meanwhile, needed three sets against Bu, recovering from losing the opening set to maintain his perfect record at the tournament.
That contrast gives Zverev plenty of reason to be confident, but he knows Djokovic's familiarity with the conditions is difficult to overlook. The Serbian has won six China Open titles and has never lost a match at the event, something that even the world No. 2 believes could give his opponent an advantage.
“I think this is probably one of the most favourite courts in his career. He's never lost here,” Zverev said after beating Shang. “Of course I'm going to do everything I can to make it a challenge and to be able to compete and hopefully be successful. That's what I'm here for as well, and I'm looking forward to that challenge."
The German is nevertheless preparing to make the quarterfinal as difficult as possible for Djokovic. While Djokovic had to battle through Bu, Zverev's straight-set victories over Norrie and Shang have left him with a relatively straightforward route into the last eight.
Zverev also welcomed the opportunity to face a difficult opponent at this stage of the tournament. “I've got a very difficult opponent tomorrow, but I'm looking forward to those challenges as well. I think it's nice to have that."
Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev — H2H
| Year | Tournament | Round | Winner | Score |
| 2017 | Rome Masters | Final | Alexander Zverev | 6–4, 6–3 |
| 2018 | Shanghai Masters | Semi-final | Novak Djokovic | 6–2, 6–1 |
| 2018 | ATP Finals | Round Robin | Novak Djokovic | 6–4, 6–1 |
| 2018 | ATP Finals | Final | Alexander Zverev | 6–4, 6–3 |
| 2019 | Roland Garros | Quarter-final | Novak Djokovic | 7–5, 6–2, 6–2 |
| 2020 | ATP Finals | Round Robin | Novak Djokovic | 6–3, 7–6(4) |
| 2021 | Australian Open | Quarter-final | Novak Djokovic | 6–7(6), 6–2, 6–4, 7–6(6) |
| 2021 | ATP Cup | Round Robin | Novak Djokovic | 6–7(3), 6–2, 7–5 |
| 2021 | Tokyo Olympics | Semi-final | Alexander Zverev | 1–6, 6–3, 6–1 |
| 2021 | US Open | Semi-final | Novak Djokovic | 4–6, 6–2, 6–4, 4–6, 6–2 |
| 2021 | ATP Finals | Semi-final | Alexander Zverev | 7–6(4), 4–6, 6–3 |
| 2023 | Cincinnati Masters | Semi-final | Novak Djokovic | 7–6(5), 7–5 |
| 2025 | Australian Open | Semi-final | Alexander Zverev | 7–6(5), RET |
| 2025 | Roland Garros | Quarter-final | Novak Djokovic | 4–6, 6–3, 6–2, 6–4 |
Both have plenty at stake
The match carries significance beyond their rivalry. Zverev is looking to strengthen his position in the battle for the top of the ATP rankings during an Asian swing in which Jannik Sinner is absent. A deep run in Beijing would give the German another opportunity to collect valuable points.
Djokovic, meanwhile, is trying to close the gap in the Race to Turin and secure another appearance at the ATP Finals. He is also chasing a 102nd ATP singles title, while his 31-0 record gives him an extraordinary level of confidence at a tournament he has dominated throughout his career.
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Despite those contrasting objectives, Zverev believes the match itself will come down to how well he can handle Djokovic on a court where the Serbian has never lost.
The German is confident enough to back his own chances, but he remains unwilling to ignore the history behind his opponent. “We'll see tomorrow, but I like my chances. But again, he loves the court,” the 2-time Grand Slam champion concluded.
Zverev will therefore enter the quarterfinal with the higher ranking and a perfect record in the tournament so far, but he has already made his position clear: when it comes to Beijing, Djokovic gets the favourite tag.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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