Beijing:Novak Djokovic overcame a challenging start to defeat top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, advancing to the China Open semifinals and setting a new record for the longest unbeaten streak at a single tour-level event in the Open Era.

According to Anadolu Agency, the 39-year-old Serbian tennis star extended his flawless record in Beijing to 32-0, surpassing Rafael Nadal's previous record of 31 consecutive victories at Roland Garros. Djokovic's record appeared in jeopardy when Zverev, the reigning French Open and US Open champion, secured the first set 6-4. However, Djokovic managed to break Zverev's serve at 5-4 in the second set, leveling the match.

The final set mirrored the second, with Djokovic breaking Zverev again at 5-4 to clinch the two-hour, 35-minute match. This victory maintains Djokovic's pursuit of a seventh China Open title.

In the semifinals, Djokovic is set to face third seed Daniil Medvedev, who advanced by defeating Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (7-4), 6-3.

Meanwhile, the women's draw experienced significant upsets as both top seeds were eliminated in consecutive rounds. Second seed Aryna Sabalenka was ousted by Czech 26th seed Nikola Bartunkova, who won 6-4, 6-3. Bartunkova, ranked 34th globally, achieved the biggest victory of her career in one hour and 35 minutes.

Sabalenka's departure followed the exit of newly crowned world No. 1 Elena Rybakina, who was defeated by 118th-ranked Alina Charaeva. Charaeva overcame an initial set loss to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. This marks the first time since 2015 that neither of the top two seeds has reached the China Open round of 16.