Zverev targets Djokovic... and something more: "I know what's at stake"

People were asking for a showdown between Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 in Beijing. Well, that's what they will have tomorrow, Sunday, starting at 1:00 PM in our country. A classic duel of this last decade where the German arrives as a clear favorite, although his statements after his victory over Jerry Shang call for respect and caution.

Easy victory over Shang

“It was different because I think the roof was closed. It really felt like an indoor court, it was like playing indoors, and that was comfortable for me. Still, I expected a tough match because I knew he is very young, has a lot of talent, and a lot of potential. I know he has had injury problems over the last two years, but we know he is very dangerous. At first, I expected a complicated match and I was prepared to start from the first moment. For a set and a half, I did just that, then I lost a bit of concentration because the match was not really a match anymore. But I am definitely happy with my level.”

Zverev talks about his upcoming match against Djokovic

“It's exciting for me, without a doubt. It’s a court that he loves and enjoys playing on. There’s no doubt about it, he has won... what, 31 matches in a row here? Still, I think in a best-of-three-sets format it’s going to be one of the toughest challenges you can face in this sport on hard court, no doubt. He is playing very well, and I am looking forward to taking on this challenge. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

Number 1, closer than ever

“It’s no secret that it’s a goal, of course. Right now, I am thinking about Novak Djokovic tomorrow. I believe that, once again, it’s one of the toughest challenges you can face in this sport, playing against him on a hard court. Of course, I know what I am playing for, and I know that I am very, very motivated right now. But, again, tomorrow I have a huge challenge and that’s my focus.”

Ruthless 😳

Alexander Zverev rolls past Shang 6-0 6-3 in 55 minutes to set a QF clash with Djokovic! #ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/DmYJXIEDzn

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 3, 2026

Fatigue is not a problem for Sascha

“My tank is fine, I’m not worried about that. I have said it before: I think at this stage of the season you are tired because you are mentally tired. When you have something to play for, I feel good. I know I am capable of recovering, I know I am capable of playing good tennis. I have to trust in my ability to do that.”

Zverev talks about his tennis transformation

“I think I slightly redefined my tennis at the end of last year. I have spoken openly about it, I sat down with my team and we said this year we were going to play different tennis, and it has worked well. At the beginning of the year, we lost some matches that we shouldn’t have lost, but we knew that was the price we had to pay. I’m happy we took that step.”

Is today's tennis worse than before?

“Worse, certainly not. I feel that everything evolves, humans evolve, sports evolve, technology evolves. Everything evolves. Technology in tennis is very important. Rackets, strings, and everything that comes with them make the game faster and more powerful. I believe that today’s tennis is much more powerful and much faster, the surfaces have changed, and the balls as well. It’s a different tennis than what is played now; I have always said it: ten years ago, when I arrived on tour, tennis was much more tactical. You had to think about how to play tennis; now I feel it has a lot more to do with power. Whoever hits better with forehand and backhand is going to win most matches. I feel that is something that has evolved.”

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev apunta a Djokovic... y algo más: “Sé lo que me estoy jugando”