Overview
- Novak Djokovic recovered from a set down to beat Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the China Open quarterfinals, a comeback that extended his Beijing record to 32-0.
- Djokovic moved into the final after Daniil Medvedev was defaulted during their semifinal when a ball struck a spectator as Djokovic was serving for the match, giving Djokovic a 33-0 record in Beijing.
- Djokovic will play Alex de Minaur in the China Open final on Tuesday after de Minaur advanced when Hubert Hurkacz retired with an adductor injury.
- Under standard ATP rules a player defaulted during a match typically forfeits ranking points and prize money from the event, so Medvedev faces possible loss of the points he earned in Beijing and a threat to his place in the Race to Turin.
- The result offers immediate momentum for 39-year-old Djokovic as he chases his first title of 2026 at a tournament he has won six times and also highlights how on-court incidents and officiating can reshape late-season ranking battles.