Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals of the Beijing tournament on Friday, October 2, 2026, after overcoming local player Yunchaokete Bu 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 in a grueling 2-hour and 52-minute match. At 39 years old, the former world number one extended his undefeated streak at the tournament to 31 victories across seven appearances.
The Return to Beijing and the Quest for an Eighth Title
Making his first appearance at the Chinese tournament in 11 years, Djokovic decided to alter his autumn schedule following an early exit at the US Open. Over the past decade, the 24-time Grand Slam champion typically skipped the early stages of the Asian swing, heading directly to the Shanghai Masters. The lone exception during that span came in 2019 when he played in Tokyo. Returning to the venue where he previously captured seven titles, the Serbian veteran secured his place in the final eight.
A Scare Against Local Challenger Yunchaokete Bu
The encounter tested Djokovic from the outset against world number 104 Yunchaokete Bu. Djokovic struggled physically in the opening stages and appeared short of breath. The turning point arrived when a physiotherapist intervened on court, followed by a lengthy break off the court by Djokovic at the conclusion of the second set. Revitalized, the 39-year-old dominated the second-set tiebreak 7-2 to level the match before pulling away in the decider.
Milestones and Records Matched in the Chinese Capital
With this 31st straight victory in Beijing—dating back to his tournament debut in 2009—Djokovic equaled Rafael Nadal’s record for the most consecutive wins at a single tournament, matching Nadal’s dominance on the clay courts of Roland-Garros. The physical battle pushed both competitors over nearly three hours on court.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Showdown Against Alexander Zverev
Djokovic now prepares for a quarterfinal clash against Alexander Zverev. Zverev advanced after defeating Portugal’s Nuno Borges in the opening rounds. Ahead of his tournament run, Djokovic noted his historical success in the country, stating, “My record on Chinese soil speaks for itself.” The quarterfinal match represents his next step toward potentially securing a 32nd victory in Beijing.
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