Novak Djokovic Makes ‘Best Player in the World’ Comment About Alexander Zverev After Beating Him at China Open

Alexander Zverev‘s China Open campaign ended on Sunday (October 4). In the quarterfinals, he faced six-time China Open champion Novak Djokovic, who came from a set down to knock him out 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

The China Open was the second tournament Zverev played following his successful run at the US Open, where he beat home favorite Ben Shelton to win the second Grand Slam title of his career. He first lifted one at the French Open after a tough five-set win over Flavio Cobolli.

When asked whether he considers himself the best player in the world after his US Open triumph, Zverev said World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is above everyone if everyone is healthy. Sinner is currently nursing a knee injury, while Carlos Alcaraz competed at the US Open (losing to Shelton in the quarterfinals) after recovering from his wrist injury.

I had the terrible start, two double faults in the beginning. It was quite cold… honestly, I didn’t feel warmed up (laughs), but my fault, I gave him early break, and then it was hard to come back in the first set. I had a couple break points to break him back when he was serving for the set at 5-4; I didn’t use that. But then I kind of felt, already from the midway first set, I was starting to get a good rhythm, at least on my serve.

Novak Djokovic told Tennis TV

Djokovic, who has now improved his head-to-head record over Zverev to 10-5, beat him for the second consecutive time. The last time the match ended in Zverev’s favor was in the semifinals of last year’s Australian Open, where Nole handed him the walkover due to an injury.

He’s the best player in the world at the moment, for sure, in a huge run and confidence roll. So when he’s serving the way he was serving tonight, or whatever, the whole year, it’s just a nightmare for the opponent. You don’t have too many opportunities, and when they’re presented, if you don’t use them, it’s frustrating. So I’m just glad that I kind of held my nerves, played good shots, and read his serve in important moments in 5-4 in both second and third [sets].

Novak Djokovic added

Sascha was chasing his third title of the season after his wins in the two Majors. He also reached the finals of the Madrid Open and Wimbledon, losing both to Sinner.

Novak Djokovic will face Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal

Novak Djokovic has never lost a match in Beijing. Before this season, he had competed in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, winning the title every time.

To reach his seventh consecutive final, he will have to defeat Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals. The Russian ace, also the tournament’s third seed, beat Francisco Cerundolo in the quarterfinals.

Djokovic holds a 10-5 head-to-head lead over the 2021 US Open champion. They will be facing each other for the first time since the 2023 US Open final, where the 39-year-old breezed past him in straight sets and won his 24th Grand Slam title.

While Djokovic has played just one final this season (lost the Australian Open to Carlos Alcaraz), Medvedev has already reached four finals, winning titles at the Brisbane International, Dubai Tennis Championships, and the Hangzhou Open. Jannik Sinner defeated him in the Indian Wells Masters final.

Medvedev has played one final in Beijing, reaching the stage in 2023 and losing the title to Sinner. The five-time Grand Slam champion is the reigning champion, but he withdrew with a knee injury.

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