Novak Djokovic enjoys more China Open joy to defeat Alexander Zverev in history making win

Novak Djokovic has again hushed the doubters. His incredible unbeaten streak at the China Open is still very much in tact with a fantastic 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over the No.1 seed Alexander Zverev.

It is a 32nd consecutive win in this tournament for the tennis great who faced off against what many are dubbing as the best player in the world in this current moment. He rolled back the years with a terrific performance, completing an immense comeback to prevail in fine fashion.

It is the first time he has returned to the China Open since 2015, 11 years on from his latest title triumph in the Chinese capital. It is a huge blow for Zverev who was the overwhelming favourite to seal this title as he chases the World No.1 spot from an injured Jannik Sinner.

It seemed to be going his way as he clinched the opening set, but Djokovic would not let him accelerate away. He struck late in both sets to get the match done and dusted. Any fitness and form doubts have again been dismissed as Djokovic continues his quest for yet another China Open title.

Zverev stole a march right from the off, sending out a statement of intent. He had trailed Djokovic 14-9 in the head to head record, but the two players are in very different positions to their last meeting in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros back in 2025.

He seized a break lead before backing that up with a hold. A couple of hold to love service games from Djokovic got him in the match, but there was not much created against the Zverev serve. The German had only conceded three break points in this tournament, coming in the first round match against Cameron Norrie, and did not look to be under too much pressure.

He created the first set point against the serve, but Djokovic fended off that effort to force his opponent to serve it out. The Serbian was offered with a lifeline. Two break points came, but none of them were taken. A second set point cropped up, and a ginormous ace sealed the first set.

The second set consisted of numerous holds of serve, with much comfort. Djokovic was in desperate need of finding the breakthrough to get the match level and keep his chances alive.

Another break point came the way of Zverev to make it 5-4. The 24-time Grand Slam champion halted his charge and again edged ahead. This would prove to be costly. Djokovic created two set points, and it was the first time in the second set where Zverev failed to find his first serve. Djokovic punished him, and the match went the distance.

A brace of holds to love got both players up and running. Zverev then wasted an opportunity to break as they both dictated the match on their serves.

It was getting to the business end of the deciding set, and neither player could afford to slip at this crucial time. That is exactly what Zverev did. He survived one set point against the serve but was hapless to halt the rampant Djokovic from getting over the line. He has overcome Rafael Nadal's 31 consecutive Roland Garros wins to create a special bit of history in Beijing.