Djokovic extends winning streak while Sabalenka falls to upset loss at China Open
Novak Djokovic defeated top-seeded Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 at the China Open to advance to the semifinals and extend his winning streak to 32 matches. The 39-year-old demonstrated exceptional form despite an early setback, ultimately overcoming Zverev's powerful serve to progress further in the tournament. In the women's draw, former world number one Aryna Sabalenka suffered a straight-sets loss to world number 34 Nikola Bartunkova in the third round, eliminating the event's top two seeds.
Djokovic's remarkable 32-match unbeaten run continued at the China Open despite losing the opening set to Zverev. The Serbian veteran demonstrated resilience throughout the encounter, recovering from an early service break and contending with nearly two dozen aces from his younger opponent. His progression to the semifinals positions him to face Medvedev, while the men's draw also features matchups between Hurkacz and Khachanov's conqueror de Minaur.
The women's tournament experienced significant upheaval with both top seeds eliminated. Sabalenka's third-round exit to world number 34 Bartunkova followed the earlier withdrawal of first-seeded Rybakina due to injury, leaving the competition without its highest-ranked competitors at a relatively early stage.
These results may influence rankings and seeding calculations for upcoming tournaments, particularly affecting player momentum heading into the final stretch of the professional calendar. Sabalenka's unexpected defeat could reshape expectations around major competitions, while Djokovic's sustained winning streak may reinvigorate discussion about longevity in professional tennis. For sponsors and broadcasters, the absence of top-ranked women players could affect viewership patterns and promotional strategies surrounding elite women's competition.