Zverev is amazed by Djokovic: "His game looked like it was from five years ago"

Fernando Murciego - 5 Oct 2026 | 06:30
ATP Alexander Zverev Novak Djokovic ATP Pekín 2026 Rueda de prensa

The German analyzed his defeat against Djokovic in a mixed zone where there were few words and a very clear intent on his part. Zverev has a pending issue in the upcoming Masters in Shanghai.

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Zverev is astonished by Djokovic: "His game looked like it did five years ago." Source: Getty

Yesterday brought a surprise at the ATP Beijing 2026. Novak Djokovic, who had been showing signs of great weakness throughout the summer, showcased his best version to defeat the man of the moment. Today Alexander Zverev could not celebrate victory, but his stumble serves to remind us once again that the Serbian's ambition is still alive.

Neither his ambition nor his tennis. It is currently impossible to unsettle the German without an exquisite rhythm of play and solidity from all corners of the court. That’s what the Balkan player did, confirming that the best player of the year is not invincible if you know how to play against him. Zverev later had the opportunity to address a couple of issues with the press, where he explained his experiences on the court and already pointed towards his next objective.

"Overall it was a pretty good match. I think it was difficult for me to hit many winners because it was quite cold and the ball didn't bounce much," explained the German, who focused on the conditions in Beijing, with only 11 degrees during the match. However, far from using it as an excuse, Zverev openly acknowledged Djokovic's extraordinary level of play.

A Djokovic from another era

"It was probably one of the best matches Novak has played this year. The level was really high," stated the Hamburg player. Sascha also particularly highlighted the Serbian's serve, one of the great weapons that allowed him to survive in the most delicate moments of the second and third sets. "He came out of many difficult situations, especially in the second and third sets," he added.

But it was in the baseline game where Zverev found the greatest explanation for his defeat. "His baseline game was basically like it was five years ago. He hardly missed, was very flat and hit a lot through the court," he noted before placing the performance in Beijing among the best he's seen during 2026. For Zverev, only the match Djokovic played against Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open can compete with this Friday's match, so all credit goes to the Belgrade legend.

The defeat, however, leaves a bitter taste for the German, as he believes he had enough opportunities to have changed the outcome. "It's a loss I could have avoided; I had chances to win this match," he acknowledged. A statement that reflects a dual perspective of his elimination. On one hand, Djokovic was at an extraordinary level; on the other, the German knows he let an important opportunity slip away.

Now it’s time to switch gears and think about Shanghai, where Zverev will have the chance to react almost immediately. The German wanted to close his appearance with a message of confidence: "I’m going to trust in my abilities. I hope to play even better there and definitely have a better result," noted the man who currently leads the Race.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev alucina con Djokovic: "Su juego parecía el de hace cinco años"