Novak Djokovic reaches Beijing semi-finals after Zverev win

Novak Djokovic has moved into the Beijing tournament semi-finals after defeating Alexander Zverev, the competition’s top seed and world No. 2. The result gives the Serb a place in the last four, where he will face Daniil Medvedev.

Djokovic, ranked 11th in the world and seeded sixth, overcame Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 on the hard court. The quarter-final lasted two hours and 35 minutes, with the German unable to protect the advantage gained by taking the opening set.

Djokovic had two break opportunities at the beginning of the match but could not convert either. Zverev then created pressure at 5-3, when Djokovic saved a set point, before the German completed the first-set win. The second set stayed level through eight games. Djokovic saved another break chance at 4-4 and immediately put Zverev under pressure, breaking the German’s serve to draw level.

The deciding set also remained close. Djokovic saved a break point at 1-1, while Zverev had to defend a match point when serving at 4-5. He saved the first opportunity but could not prevent Djokovic from taking the second, allowing the Serb to complete the comeback. Medvedev, the world’s sixth-ranked player and third seed, reached the semi-finals by beating Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (4), 6-3. Cerundolo is ranked 22nd, and their quarter-final lasted one hour and 41 minutes.