Djokovic beats Zverev to reach China Open semifinals

Novak Djokovic recovered from a set down to defeat Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the China Open quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals and extending his unbeaten run at the Beijing tournament to 32 matches. Djokovic will next play Daniil Medvedev. The 39-year-old Serb lost the opening set and faced a break point in the second, but held serve and broke Zverev at 4-4 to level the match. In the deciding set, Djokovic again broke late, and Zverev sent a forehand into the net on Djokovic’s second match point. The match lasted about two and a half hours; reports gave slightly different durations, from 2 hours 34 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes. The victory continued a run that began with Djokovic’s China Open debut in 2009. The reports describe his 32 consecutive wins as surpassing Rafael Nadal’s 31-match start at Roland Garros, giving Djokovic the longest unbeaten start at a single event in the Open era. Djokovic is a six-time China Open champion. Djokovic said he made a poor start, including two double faults in the opening game, and did not feel fully warmed up in the cold conditions. He said he found a better rhythm midway through the first set.