Djokovic beats Zverev in Beijing

Novak Djokovic, thirty-nine, defeated top seed Alexander Zverev four six, six four, six four at the China Open to reach the semi-finals on October fourth.

Zverev's world number one hopes damaged

Djokovic's victory over the world number two German dented Zverev's quest to finish the year as the world's number one-ranked player.

Djokovic fought back from a set down

The Serbian initially struggled with Zverev's power and lost the first set, but worked his way back to level the match in the second set and sealed victory in the third.

Djokovic on playing for these moments

Djokovic said: "These are the kind of moments that I still play for, compete for. The motivation is big when you are feeling good and competing at par with the best players in the world in front of fifteen thousand people."

“These are the kind of moments that I still play for, compete for.”

Djokovic's difficult year continues

The victory extended Djokovic's unbeaten run in Beijing to thirty-two matches and gave him a first trophy of twenty twenty-six, a year he described as a struggle with form and fitness.

“It's been a struggle this year for different reasons.”

Djokovic faces Medvedev on Monday

Djokovic will play third seed Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals on Monday. Medvedev beat Francisco Cerundolo seven six, seven four, six three in his quarter-final.