Novak Djokovic Engages in Heated Argument with Alexander Zverev and Umpire at China Open: “Most Stupid Rule”

Novak Djokovic knocked Alexander Zverev out of the China Open on Sunday (October 4). Djokovic came from a set down to clinch a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over the first seed in the quarterfinals.

The match saw a tense moment in the very first set. Djokovic looked out of sorts in the first game. When Zverev served at 30-15 and Djokovic won the point, the World No.2 complained to umpire Adel Nour that the LED screen had gone dark when he returned the shot.

Replays showed the screen changing before the point, and the umpire then called for the point to be replayed, prompting an angry reaction from the Serb. He walked up to the umpire and said:

He served, I played another shot, he played another shot, and then he challenged. Is that okay? He was annoyed by that change there. He would stop after the serve, and he would call. It doesn’t make any sense. You [to Zverev] missed the forehand, and then you challenged.

Zverev approached the net and tried to explain to his opponent why he complained to the umpire, saying: “I didn’t know about the challenge, that’s why I came to him and asked.” But to no avail, Djokovic kept arguing that replaying the point made no sense.

But then you [should] stop after the serve? This must be the most stupid change of rules I’ve ever heard in my life. It makes no sense. We could play a 30-shot rally, and he could lose the point and say: ‘OK, I’m going to challenge now’.

Novak Djokovic said

Here’s the video of the incident:

Novak Djokovic was absolutely right. Here’s the full play: Alexander Zverev served, the German missed his forehand, and only then did he complain that the LED screen changed images during his serve. Incredibly, the chair umpire ordered the point to be replayed after it had already been lost. https://t.co/AX93jJVvjb

— SK (@Djoko_UTD) October 4, 2026

But after the match, Djokovic called Zverev the best player at the moment, given that the German won two Grand Slam titles this year by defeating Flavio Cobolli at the French Open and Ben Shelton at the US Open. Djokovic played only the final of the Australian Open and lost it to Carlos Alcaraz.

In Beijing, Djokovic holds a perfect record as he has not yet lost a match here in his career. He won the title in his previous six appearances in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. The 39-year-old is competing in the tournament for the first time since 2015.

Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Alexander Zverev

This is the second time this season Novak Djokovic has defeated a top-3 player. Before ousting Alexander Zverev from the China Open, the 24-time Grand Slam champion stunned two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in five sets in the semifinals of the Australian Open.

This is probably one of the two best matches that I played this year, next to the one against Sinner in the semis of the Australian Open. I’m very thrilled to win against probably the best player in the world at the moment. Sascha has been on a row playing incredible tennis, particularly the last couple of months with his US Open win. He’s always been a top player. We knew that it was just a matter of time before he would clinch his first Grand Slam title.

Novak Djokovic told reporters (H/T: Ubitennis)

Djokovic, who has now improved his head-to-head record over Zverev to 10-5, will next be locking horns with Daniil Medvedev, who went past Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets. Against the Russian ace as well, Djokovic holds a 10-5 head-to-head lead, last meeting him in the final of the 2023 US Open, where Nole lifted his 24th Grand Slam title.

Medvedev is chasing his fourth title of the season, after wins at the Brisbane International, Dubai Tennis Championships, and Hangzhou Open. Djokovic last won a title at the 2025 Hellenic Championship.

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