Djokovic Extends China Open Unbeaten Run to 31 Matches

Novak Djokovic maintained his perfect record at the China Open by defeating home favorite Bu Yunchaokete 4–6, 7–6 (2), 6–2 on Friday in Beijing. The 39-year-old Serbian, seeded sixth, extended his unbeaten streak at the tournament to 31 matches and advanced to the quarterfinals. Djokovic has won the China Open six times, most recently in 2015.

Despite squandering a break advantage in the second set and requiring a medical timeout for a rib-area issue—similar to treatment he received during his first-round match on Wednesday—Djokovic recovered to dominate the tiebreaker and the third set. He broke Bu's serve twice to establish a 4–0 lead before sealing victory on the second of three match points with a crosscourt backhand. Djokovic praised Bu's performance and the crowd atmosphere: "He was so solid. I struggled to really find holes in his game and was hitting his spots really well with his serve. Credit to him for playing well. The atmosphere was amazing. Packed stadium again for three hours—what a match to be a part of."

In the quarterfinals, Djokovic will face either top-seeded Alexander Zverev or China's Juncheng Shang. Elsewhere in the tournament, second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka defeated Mexican Renata Zarazua 6–1, 6–3 in 62 minutes, marking her first match since losing the U.S. Open final to Elena Rybakina. World No. 5 Mirra Andreeva, the 2026 French Open winner, overcame a slow start to sweep past Chinese player Yuan Yue 3–6, 6–0, 6–0. Russian Daniil Medvedev advanced 6–4, 6–2 over Spain's Pablo Carreño Busta.