Djokovic overcomes Zverev in Beijing thriller

BEIJING - Novak Djokovic staged a stirring comeback against top seed Alexander Zverev on Sunday, overcoming the German 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to book his place in the China Open semifinals and keep his perfect tournament record intact.

The six-time Beijing champion, competing at the ATP 500 event for the first time since 2015, was tested throughout by Zverev’s formidable serve and groundstrokes. The German fired 19 aces and seized the opening set after Djokovic made an early error-strewn start. “I had a terrible start,” Djokovic admitted, saying two early double faults and the cold conditions made it difficult to find his rhythm. The Serbian gradually settled, however, and transformed a closely fought contest by producing his best tennis when the pressure peaked. After saving himself from further trouble, Djokovic broke Zverev at 5-4 in the second set to level the match. The decisive set followed a similar pattern, with neither player able to create much separation. Djokovic again found a breakthrough at 5-4 on Zverev’s serve, converting his opportunity to complete victory after two hours and 35 minutes. The match also featured a brief controversy when Zverev complained that LED advertising signage had gone dark during a rally. A review confirmed the issue, and the chair umpire ordered the point replayed. Djokovic will meet Daniil Medvedev in the last four after the Russian defeated Francisco Cerundolo 7-6(4), 6-3 in a thriller.