Novak Djokovic showcased his incredible resilience by advancing to the quarter-finals of the China Open in Beijing after a grueling three-set victory over Buyunchaokete, which lasted two hours and 51 minutes. This win keeps his remarkable unbeaten record at the tournament intact, bringing his tally to 31-0 at the ATP 500 event. At 39 years old, Djokovic has also made history by becoming the oldest ATP 500 quarter-finalist since the series began in 2009.
Challenges and Comeback in 2026
Following the match, the former world No. 1 opened up about the health challenges he has faced throughout the 2026 season, labeling it a significant hurdle in his career. Djokovic clarified that these issues are not related to his stamina, emphasizing that he and his team are actively working to understand and manage his condition. The results have been mixed, fluctuating from week to week.
Despite early exits in both Cincinnati and the US Open, Djokovic has regained his form in the Chinese capital, where he also secured a victory over Nuno Borges earlier in the week. His most notable achievement this season was at the Australian Open, where he triumphed over Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals, only to fall to Carlos Alcaraz in the final match.
Currently, Djokovic ranks 12th in the ATP Live Race to Turin and has yet to qualify for the prestigious year-end Finals, a tournament he has dominated with seven titles. Achieving a spot in this elite competition remains a top priority for him.
As the tournament progresses, Djokovic may face Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals, contingent on Zverev’s success against Shang Juncheng. Historically, Djokovic has an edge over Zverev, leading their head-to-head record 9–5, including a victory in their most recent encounter at Roland Garros in 2025.
With determination and experience on his side, Djokovic continues to chase success in Beijing, aiming to extend his remarkable legacy in the world of tennis.