This dead man is very much alive

Novak Djokovic was once again Novak Djokovic. After months showcasing one of his worst versions, with physical and health problems, crying and dragging himself on the courts, not enjoying and only suffering, finally, the 24 Grand Slam champion got up from the canvas and started hitting again, and in a big way. He achieved, in the best match of his season, to defeat Alexander Zverev in a test of endurance and competitiveness to remain undefeated in the ATP Beijing and rack up 32 consecutive victories. But above all, to send a clear message: never doubt him.

A match between Grand Slam champions in the quarter-finals of an ATP 500 doesn't happen every day. Djokovic and Zverev faced each other for a spot in the semifinals of the Chinese tournament, although each under completely different circumstances. On one side, the Serb continued to suffer physical issues that prevented him from showing a good version of his tennis, while on the other, the German easily handled his previous matches and arrived as the fresh champion of the US Open.

This was Djokovic's epic victory against Zverev in the quarter-finals of ATP Beijing 2026

At first glance, and for the first time in a long time, Zverev was the clear favorite to win against a Djokovic who had diminished significantly in recent months. This feeling translated to the early games of the match, where the German came out with a bit more spark to break the Serb’s serve in the first game of the duel.

The world number two was impenetrable with his serve and accepted the aggression in the baseline exchanges proposed by Djokovic. The Serb seemed unsure how to approach the German, but a controversial point, in which Zverev asked for a replay because a billboard bothered him, ultimately ignited the Serb. “It's one of the stupidest rules I've seen in my life,” the Belgradian told the chair umpire.

And coincidentally that mistake was the fuel needed to level the playing field with Zverev. From then on, both engaged in long and intense exchanges. The Serb couldn't break back, but at the end of the first set, he put Sascha in trouble. This situation of pressure, a few months ago, the German would have crumbled and ended up losing his serve. But since his liberation after winning Roland Garros and his confirmation by lifting the US Open, he gained a brutal confidence in his tennis and, most importantly, in his mindset. He accepted Djokovic's demand and closed a very tight first set (6-4).

This momentum from the end of the first set carried into the start of the second with complete parity where neither gave room for a break. Games went by as the set entered a critical moment with great anticipation. Any mistake, no matter how minimal, was going to be costly.

Finally, after many months, specifically since Wimbledon, we saw a complete Djokovic again, at a great level and without suffering health or physical mishaps. He was competitive again and did not allow Zverev to take him out of the match, which at 39 years old makes it even more commendable.

4-4 and neither was willing to give in, but it was Zverev who enjoyed the first break point of the entire set, which was half the match. However, the effective serve of the Serb halted that attempt, and not satisfied with just defending, he smelled blood from the German and went after him, breaking his serve for the first time in the entire match and taking the second set (6-4), proving he was very much alive.

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

It was like seeing that Djokovic again who less than a year ago defeated Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open and who stood up to Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Again, he played the escape artist in a set that would normally have fallen in favor of Zverev. But with a 24 Grand Slam champion, nothing should be taken for granted.

The Serb had little time to celebrate because Zverev came out in the third set with the firm intention of breaking and putting distance. He had another break point in the third game, but Djokovic was in his element, finally enjoying himself on a tennis court after a long time, and he thwarted the German once again.

If the momentum in the second set seemed favorable to the German, in the third set, the prevailing feeling was that as long as Djokovic's body held up as it was, he stood a good chance of taking the match. Technically both were even, but in those moments that define a match, where the tension is at its highest and the arm tightens, the Serb knows how to move better than anyone.

The score showed 4-4, but it seemed that Djokovic had the upper hand. He did not falter, and in his gaze, one could see again that determination and push of the greatest of all time. Zverev, despite being a different player since Roland Garros and the US Open, did not know how to react to the challenge from Belgrade and fell back into his past mistakes: not aggressive, passive, and very hesitant.

And then came the golden opportunity for Djokovic with 5-4 and 30-40. Match point. However, after 27 deep and intense exchanges, Zverev won the tactical battle. But the wolf from Belgrade did not give up on his efforts, and on his second match point certified a soothing victory that reconciles him with tennis.

This way he maintains his undefeated run in ATP Beijing and adds 32 consecutive victories in the Chinese tournament. He awaits Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals, but it hardly matters who the opponent of Novak Djokovic will be or what the outcome will be. What happened today is another work of love for tennis and for himself, of never giving up and proving once again why he is the greatest tennis player of all time.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Este muerto está muy vivo