Brief

Djokovic rallies past Bu to reach China Open quarter‑finals

The Serbian star survived a second‑set tiebreak and a medical timeout to move on in Beijing.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:04:29 GMT

Novak Djokovic defeated Chinese qualifier Bu Yunchaokete 4‑6, 7‑6 (2), 6‑2 on Friday to reach the China Open quarter‑finals, the Associated Press reported.

What happened

Djokovic, the tournament’s sixth seed, lost the first set, saved a break in the second and won the tiebreak 7‑2. He then broke Bu twice to lead 4‑0 in the third set and sealed the match on his second of three match points with a cross‑court backhand.

What the reports add

The AP noted that Djokovic required a medical timeout in the second set for a problem around his rib area, similar to a timeout he took in his first‑round match on Wednesday. He appeared to suffer little after treatment and dominated the remainder of the match.

What was said

Djokovic told reporters, “I had to play very well. I had to serve well in the right moments… Credit to him for playing well. The atmosphere was amazing. Packed stadium again for three hours – what a match to be a part of.”

How it came about

Djokovic entered Beijing with a flawless 31‑0 record at the China Open, having won the event six times, most recently in 2015. His next opponent will be either top‑seed Alexander Zverev or China’s Juncheng Shang.

Key facts

Djokovic beat Bu Yunchaokete 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 to reach the quarter‑finals. (winnipegfreepress.com)
He required a medical timeout for a rib‑area issue in the second set. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The win extended his China Open record to 31‑0. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Djokovic will face either Alexander Zverev or Juncheng Shang in the next round. (winnipegfreepress.com)