Djokovic warns: "I can still beat the best"

Novak Djokovic showed that he still has a lot of energy left in his tennis. After a few very irregular months and far from his best level due to physical and health issues, the Serbian relieved all his ailments with a soothing victory over Alexander Zverev (4-6, 6-4, 6-4) in the quarterfinals of the 2026 ATP 500 in Beijing, while Daniil Medvedev waits in the semifinals.

In the post-match press conference after his victory against the German, the Serbian stated that it has been one of his best victories of the year, while he confessed what tactics he employed to defeat the recent US Open champion. Additionally, he sent a clear message to the entire circuit: there is still plenty of Djokovic left.

Djokovic cited his victory over Zverev in Beijing as one of the best matches of 2026

"This was probably one of the two best matches I've played this year, along with the semifinal match at the Australian Open against Sinner. Obviously, I am very happy to have managed to win against who is probably now the best player in the world."

Djokovic praised Zverev's current form

"Sascha has been on an incredible streak, playing at a spectacular level, especially in the last few months with his victory at the US Open. He has always been an elite player. We knew it was just a matter of time before he won his first Grand Slam. He did it this year, and not just one, but two in the same season. With the confidence he has now, his great serve, and the pressure he exerts, it is extremely difficult to face him. When he is so solid, precise, and powerful with his serve, it forces you to play each of your service games at the limit."

Djokovic explained how he defeated Zverev in Beijing

"The opportunities that arise against him are very few, and when they do, you have to take advantage of them. I think that's exactly what I did. With 5-4 in the second set and 5-4 in the third, when I had the chance to break, I played good points, was brave, and took my opportunities. That was enough to win the match."

"Obviously, many things had to happen beforehand to reach those moments. I would especially highlight my serving game and first shot after the serve, which worked very well tonight. I tried to take advantage of every short ball to come to the net, apply pressure, vary my game, and be aggressive. At times it was high-risk tennis, but I had to do it. If not, it would have been very difficult to win this match."

DJOKOVIC DELIVERS - AGAIN 🙌🔥 The moment @DjokerNole defeated top seed Zverev to reach a SEVENTH Beijing semi-final! #ChinaOpen https://t.co/ittM22cQUm

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 4, 2026

Djokovic is already thinking about the Beijing semifinals against Medvedev

"I wish I had an extra day to really enjoy the victory and savor this moment, but there is no time. I am already thinking about what I need to do to recover, sleep well, and prepare for the next match. I know it will be another long night and tomorrow I will compete again. Right now, that's how it is: you have to play every day. But that's okay."

Djokovic stated he feels in great physical condition after doubts in the early days

"A few days ago, I felt physically pretty good and tonight as well. The last two matches I played lasted almost three hours each, with very late finishes, but I feel fine. Honestly, I couldn't receive better news, because this hadn't been the case for a large part of the year. Now I am only thinking about tomorrow's match and my next opponent. Tonight's victory has been fantastic, but the tournament is not over yet."

Djokovic revealed the secret to continue competing at 39 years old

"These types of matches are the greatest motivation for why I keep competing and why I keep pushing myself to train every day or every week to reach this level. These are the moments that remind me why I keep doing all of this: to be prepared to face the best players in the world on the most important stages and to be able to beat them."

"For me, it is a test, a confirmation, that I can still win against the best players in the world at the big tournaments. I have always known that. I have always believed in it. Obviously, things are now a little different. It's difficult to maintain a maximum level consistently like the young players do."

A “happy” Djokovic hopes to maintain his level against Medvedev

"I am very happy with myself and proud of the effort I am making. As I said, the overall feeling is very positive. When you play at this level, confidence increases, you forget a bit about all the problems and difficulties, and you just keep moving forward. I hope to maintain this level day after day."

"Tomorrow night I will have to go back on the court as fresh as possible. I expect another extremely tough opponent: Medvedev. I know his game very well. He just won a tournament last week and feels very comfortable in these conditions in China. It’s no surprise. I will have to play another great match if I want to have chances to win," concluded a Novak Djokovic who should never be counted out.
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic avisa: "Aún puedo ganar a los mejores"