Djokovic Extends Beijing Record as China Open Reaches the Business End of the Tournament
Novak Djokovic has continued his remarkable record at the China Open in Beijing, advancing through the tournament as the event enters its decisive stages.
The Serbian defeated Chinese wild card Yunchaokete Bu in the round of 16, winning 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 after recovering from a difficult opening set.
The victory extended Djokovic’s perfect record at the Beijing tournament to 31 wins without a defeat. He is a six-time champion at the event.
A difficult start for Djokovic
Djokovic was forced to come from behind after losing the opening set.
Bu, playing in front of a home audience, managed to take advantage of the veteran’s slower start and put pressure on his service games.
Djokovic responded by winning the second-set tiebreak before taking control of the deciding set.
The result was another example of the experience that has allowed the 39-year-old to remain competitive deep into the tennis season.
Several major names remain in contention
The China Open field has produced a series of significant matches as the tournament moves toward its later rounds.
Alexander Zverev defeated Chinese player Juncheng Shang 6-0, 6-3, while Daniil Medvedev beat Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets.
Andrey Rublev survived a three-set contest against Roman Safiullin, while Alex de Minaur defeated Quentin Halys after another lengthy battle.
The results leave several established names competing for a place in the final rounds.
Tokyo offers a different story
While Djokovic is competing in Beijing, Carlos Alcaraz is playing at the Japan Open in Tokyo.
The Spanish world No. 1 entered the tournament as the top seed and is part of a field that includes several major names.
Denis Shapovalov reached the quarter-final stage after defeating Alejandro Tabilo 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 on Saturday.
The split between the China Open and Japan Open reflects the density of the ATP calendar at this point in the season.
Players are balancing ranking points, physical recovery and preparation for the final major tournaments of the year.
Sinner’s absence changes the picture
Jannik Sinner is not competing in Beijing this year because of a knee injury.
The Italian had won the China Open in 2023 and 2025, making his absence particularly notable.
Alcaraz has instead chosen the Tokyo tournament, leaving Djokovic with an opportunity to add another Beijing title to his already extensive record at the event.
The final stretch of the season
The Asian swing is taking place as the ATP season approaches its final stages.
Every tournament now carries additional importance for players trying to secure ranking positions and qualify for the season-ending championships.
For Djokovic, the Beijing run is also another indication that he remains capable of competing at the highest level despite being one of the oldest players in the elite men’s game.
His next matches will determine whether the perfect Beijing record continues into the final stages of the tournament.
