Novak Djokovic Reveals His ‘Biggest Motivation’ After Ousting Alexander Zverev in Beijing: “I Can Still Beat the Best Players”

Novak Djokovic called his China Open quarterfinal match against Alexander Zverev one of the two best matches he has played so far this season. The other match was his thrilling five-set win over two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinal of the Australian Open.

Djokovic, who has now improved his head-to-head record over Zverev to 10-5, is chasing his seventh consecutive title in Beijing. He previously won in his six previous appearances in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Zverev, on the other hand, was chasing his third title of the season after wins at the French Open and the US Open, where he defeated Flavio Cobolli and Ben Shelton to win the title.

These kinds of matches are the biggest motivation for why I keep on competing and why I keep on pushing myself pretty much on a daily to train and get myself on this level. That’s a kind of proof to me that I can still beat the best players in the world on the biggest stage. Things are a bit different nowadays. It’s hard to be consistently playing at the highest level like the youngsters.

Novak Djokovic told reporters after the win (H/T: Ubitennis)

Nole is chasing his first title of the season. The only time he has reached a final was at the Australian Open, where he lost the match to Carlos Alcaraz.

I’m really happy with myself and proud of the effort. The feeling overall is really good. Of course, when you’re playing this well, then confidence is higher, then you forget about all the issues and challenges, and you just keep on moving.

Novak Djokovic added

The German, apart from his French Open and US Open wins, also reached two more finals. This was at the Madrid Open and Wimbledon when he lost both times to World No.1 Jannik Sinner.

Zverev has a chance to dethrone the five-time Grand Slam champion from the top of the rankings table as Sinner has pulled out of the Shanghai Masters due to a knee injury.

The injury also forced him to withdraw from the Cincinnati Masters, US Open, and the China Open, where he is the reigning champion. Sinner and Zverev have 11,000 and 9,720 points in the live rankings, respectively.

Novak Djokovic will face Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals

Novak Djokovic will lock horns with another tough opponent in the form of fellow former World No.1 Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal of the China Open. The 39-year-old holds a 10-5 head-to-head record over the Russian. They last met in the final of the 2023 US Open, which the Nole won to lift his 24th Grand Slam title.

I know his game really well. He won a tournament last week. He’s loving the kind of conditions in China. It’s no surprise. I’ll have to come up with another great performance if I want to have a chance to win.

Novak Djokovic told reporters

Prior to scheduling the match against the six-time China Open champion, Medvedev knocked out Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets. Medvedev has already lifted three titles this season, winning in Brisbane, Dubai, and Hangzhou. He lost to Sinner in Indian Wells.

The winner of the match will face Alex de Minaur or Hubert Hurkacz. Medvedev has played one China Open final, in 2023, losing the match to Sinner.

After the China Open, the top players will shift their focus toward the Shanghai Masters, which starts on October 7. Djokovic, a four-time champion in the tournament, lost to Sinner in the final in 2024 and reached the semifinals last year. Valentin Vacherot is the reigning champion. He defeated his cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the final last year.

Also read: Aryna Sabalenka Reacts After Shock Early-Round Exit at China Open