Alexander Zverev’s winning streak in China is broken. The 26-year-old from Hamburg lost to his long-term rival Daniil Medvedev 4:6, 3:6 in the semifinals of the ATP tournament in Beijing.
In the fifth duel this year with the US Open finalist, Zverev suffered his fourth defeat. Medvedev will face either the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz or the Italian Jannik Sinner in the final. Zverev had previously won seven matches in a row. At his first stop in China he won the title in Chengdu.
He continues at the Masters in Shanghai, where, after a bye, he will meet either the Brit Andy Murray or Roman Safiullin, against whom he beat in the final in Chengdu.
Zverev is fighting for the ATP finals
In Shanghai, Zverev is playing for important points for qualifying for the ATP season finale of the eight best players in November in Turin. The Olympic champion is currently in seventh place and has recently increased his lead over ninth-placed Taylor Fritz. The American skipped the first tournaments in China and only started the Asian tour in Shanghai.
A high-class match developed against Medvedev right from the start with the first break chances for the German, who had a slight cold. He had lost his strength in the last few days and won six of his seven victories in three sets. Medvedev (27) looked fresher and secured the first break of the game and the first set with a passed ball. In the second set, Zverev initially had a chance to take the lead with a break, but had to deservedly admit defeat after 1:25 hours.