Djokovic defeats Zverev, breaks Beijing unbeaten record
Come-from-behind victory against Zverev extends Serb's unbeaten streak to 32 matches at ATP 500
Novak Djokovic defeated Alexander Zverev 2 sets to 1 (4/6, 6/4, and 6/4) in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 Beijing, becoming the only tennis player with 32 consecutive victories in a world circuit tournament, surpassing Rafael Nadal's record.
Historic Record Achieved
With the victory over Zverev, Djokovic reached 32 consecutive wins in the tournament, surpassing the previous record of 31 unbeaten matches set by Nadal at Roland Garros. The Serb had already equaled the mark by defeating Bu Yunchaokete in the round of 16, completing 31 victories without a loss.
How the Match Against Zverev Unfolded
The first set concluded 6/4 in favor of Zverev, who broke Djokovic's serve in the very first game and maintained the lead until the end. In the second set, Djokovic capitalized on two unforced errors by Zverev to go up 30/0, broke the German's serve, and closed the set 6/4. The third set followed the same pattern: after an exchange of serves, Zverev made errors while tied at 5/5, allowing Djokovic to break and close out the match 6/4.
Off-Court Health Issues
Djokovic revealed that this year has been a “very, very big” struggle due to an unspecified health issue. He stated that the problem is not related to his physical fitness but to something that affects both his physical and emotional condition. The tennis player did not go into details to avoid it sounding like a complaint or an excuse, but emphasized that he has been seeking ways to ensure a decent condition to compete.
Return to ATP 500 Beijing
After an 11-year absence, the Serb returned to the ATP 500 Beijing, aiming to regain momentum after dropping out of the top 10 rankings. He already holds six titles in the tournament, the most recent in 2015, and now faces Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals. The other semifinal will be between Alex de Minaur and Hubert Hurkacz.
Season-End Outlook
Djokovic is looking for a strong finish to the season, following an early exit at the US Open, his earliest Grand Slam defeat since 2006. The victory in Beijing boosts his confidence, although the health issue remains unclear. The upcoming challenge against Medvedev could determine if the tennis player maintains his winning streak until the end of the year.
With information from UOL, CNN Brasil, GZH.
Source: UOL, CNN Brasil, GZH