China Open 2026: Novak Djokovic Defies Age as Top Women's Seeds Crash Out

The China Open 2026 has delivered a stark contrast in fortunes between the men's and women's draws. While 39-year-old Novak Djokovic continues to assert his dominance in Beijing, the women's tournament has been defined by chaos, with both top seeds eliminated early in the competition.

Djokovic's Beijing Dominance Continues

In a display of resilience and veteran skill, Novak Djokovic secured a place in the semi-finals on October 4-5, 2026, by defeating the top seed and world number two, Alexander Zverev. Despite a slow start where he struggled with Zverev's power and double-faulted twice in the opening game, Djokovic battled back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 [1].

This victory is particularly significant as it extends Djokovic's unbeaten streak in Beijing to 32 matches [2]. For the Serbian star, who has admitted that 2026 has been a struggle regarding form and fitness, this run brings him closer to a seventh China Open title.

Men's Semi-Final Lineup

The competition is heating up as the final four are decided. Djokovic is scheduled to face third seed Daniil Medvedev, who advanced after defeating Francisco Cerúndolo 7-6, 6-3 [2]. In the other semi-final, Poland's Hubert Hurkacz will take on Australia's Alex de Minaur, who overcame Andrey Rublev in a three-set thriller (1-6, 6-2, 6-3) [1].

Major Upsets in the Women's Draw

While the men's side saw the veteran prevail, the women's side saw the favorites crumble. The tournament has been left without its top two seeds following a series of unexpected exits.

• Aryna Sabalenka: The second seed was eliminated in the third round on Sunday, losing 6-4, 6-3 to world No. 34 Nikola Bartunkova [2]. The 20-year-old Bartunkova dominated the match, leaving the former world No. 1 visibly frustrated.
• Elena Rybakina: The top seed was ousted even earlier, falling to Alina Charaeva in the second round on Saturday [2]. Rybakina subsequently withdrew from the Wuhan Open, citing a foot injury.

The collapse of the top seeds opens the door for lower-ranked players to make a deep run in the tournament, contrasting sharply with the predictable dominance of Djokovic in the men's bracket.