Alexander Zverev defeated Juncheng Shang, 6-0, 6-3, in the second round of the China Open.
In doing so, he booked his place in the quarter-finals, where he will meet Novak Djokovic. On Friday, Djokovic defeated Yunchaokete Bu to seal his spot in the last eight.
Djokovic and Zverev haven’t played each other since the 2025 French Open, a match Zverev won in straight sets. The German has won two Grand Slams this season and looks imperious, although Djokovic has never lost a match in Beijing. With that in mind, the post-match interviewer asked Zverev whether he considered himself the favourite for their quarter-final clash.
Alexander Zverev ‘likes his chances’ against Novak Djokovic in the China Open quarter-finals
“We’ll see tomorrow. I like my chances, but again, he likes the court, so… I’m excited about it; this is probably one of the favourite courts of his career. He’s never lost here, but of course, I’m going to do everything I can to make it a challenge, to be able to compete and hopefully be successful; that’s what I’m here for and looking forward to the challenge,” said Zverev.
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Djokovic is 31-0 at the China Open. The Serb won titles in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Returning 11 years after his last triumph, Djokovic has beaten Nuno Borges and Bu to set up what promises to be a thriller with the world number two.
On paper, Zverev is the favourite, having played much better than Djokovic in 2026. However, when you look at Djokovic’s unbeaten record in Beijing and his record against the German, you might come to a different conclusion.
Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic’s head-to-head record (5-9)
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2025 French Open – QF | Novak Djokovic | Alexander Zverev | 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2025 Australian Open – SF | Alexander Zverev | Novak Djokovic | 7-6 (RET) |
| 2023 Cincinnati Open – SF | Novak Djokovic | Alexander Zverev | 7-6, 7-5 |
| 2021 ATP Finals – SF | Alexander Zverev | Novak Djokovic | 7-6, 4-6, 6-3 |
| 2021 US Open – SF | Novak Djokovic | Alexander Zverev | 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 |
| 2021 Olympics – SF | Alexander Zverev | Novak Djokovic | 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 |
| 2021 ATP Cup – RR | Novak Djokovic | Alexander Zverev | 6-7, 6-2, 7-5 |
| 2021 Australian Open – QF | Novak Djokovic | Alexander Zverev | 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 |
| 2020 ATP Finals – RR | Novak Djokovic | Alexander Zverev | 6-3, 7-6 |
| 2019 French Open – QF | Novak Djokovic | Alexander Zverev | 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 |
| 2018 ATP Finals – F | Alexander Zverev | Novak Djokovic | 6-4, 6-3 |
| 2018 ATP Finals – RR | Novak Djokovic | Alexander Zverev | 6-4, 6-1 |
| 2018 Shanghai Masters – SF | Novak Djokovic | Alexander Zverev | 6-2, 6-1 |
| 2017 Italian Open – F | Alexander Zverev | Novak Djokovic | 6-4, 6-3 |
Djokovic leads their head-to-head 9-5 and last lost a completed match against Zverev five years ago, at the Cincinnati Open. Form suggests Zverev is the favourite, but history tells us another story…
Zverev was asked how he felt about ‘being in the zone’ having won his first two matches at the China Open without dropping a set, defeating Cameron Norrie and Shang.
“I hope it continues that way, I’ve got a very difficult opponent tomorrow, but I’m looking forward to those challenges as well, I think it’s nice to have that,” he said.
Zverev also spoke about his second-round opponent, Shang, who was clearly struggling physically throughout their match, as he continues to battle injuries.
“I’m happy that he won a couple of games because I think he deserves to; he’s a great tennis player. He’s struggled with injuries, but we all know how well he can play,” he said.
“I thought tonight was going to be a difficult challenge; I was ready for it to be a difficult challenge, but I’m happy that in the end it wasn’t and it was quite smooth for me.”
Naomi Broady says Alexander Zverev vs Juncheng Shang was ‘a tough watch’
During Sky Sports’ post-match coverage, former British tennis star Naomi Broady delivered her verdict on Zverev’s second-round win and his muted celebrations.
“You can see the reaction from [Alexander] Zverev, not really a match that he wants to overly celebrate. He knew his opponent wasn’t 100%, far from it. I think he’ll really feel for him. Full credit to [Juncheng] Shang for staying out and finishing the match,” she said.
“He’s had such a tough time with injuries in his career, only 21 years old; it’s absolutely gutting for him. And a tough watch for us as well; not nice. Wish him the best.”
Shang was once one of the most promising youngsters in men’s tennis, and won the Chengdu Open at 19. He hasn’t lived up to that promise, though, largely because of his injuries. Shang underwent foot surgery in 2025 and is yet to return to form. Now ranked 250th, he will play his next tournament in Guangzhou at the Challenger Tour level.
Zverev, on the other hand, will be back in action on Sunday, October 4, to play Djokovic in the China Open quarter-finals. The winner will advance to play Daniil Medvedev, Francisco Cerundolo, or Jakub Mensik in the semis.
