Novak Djokovic first gets angry at Zverev, then gives Jannik Sinner a gift

Novak Djokovic defeats Alexander Zverev and advances to the semifinals of the China Open currently underway in Beijing. The 24-time Grand Slam champion does an favor for the absent Jannik Sinner by eliminating the German player, who is aiming for the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings currently held by the South Tyrolean. Thanks to Djokovic’s victory, Sinner will remain at the top of the world rankings at least until November 1.

The Serbian legend, who has never lost a match in Beijing in his career (he has won five tournaments there in the past), pulled off a comeback victory at the end of a 2½-hour battle that concluded in three sets with scores of 6-4, 4-6, 4-6.

There was no shortage of tense moments on the court: during the first set, an umpire’s call sent Nole into a rage. After losing a point, Zverev interrupted play, complaining that a sideline display had distracted him by changing the image. The chair umpire ruled in his favor, ordering the point to be replayed—a decision that infuriated a disbelieving Djokovic: “One of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen on a tennis court.”

The Serbian tennis player then regained his composure and secured an important and significant victory in his best match since his semifinal win against Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open. Despite his elimination, Zverev still gained another 90 points over Sinner, who is now closing in on him.