Alexander Zverev had to save a set point before securing a winning start at the China Open. On Thursday, October 1, the German defeated Cameron Norrie 7–6(1), 6–4 to reach the last 16 of the ATP 500 event in Beijing.
Serving helped the top seed through the tightest moments. Zverev finished with 15 aces, erased the chance that would have given Norrie the opening set and controlled the tie-break 7–1. Both players then held serve until the tenth game of the second set: Zverev's break at that stage ended the contest on his first match point.
Nine meetings, nine wins
The result extended Zverev's head-to-head lead to 9–0, according to the ATP. He arrived from the Laver Cup in London and explained after the match that he had been in China for only two days. The switch required adjusting to the time difference and moving from indoor conditions to outdoor hard courts.
His next opponent will be Shang Juncheng. The Chinese player beat Sebastian Baez 5–7, 6–3, 7–5 to earn his first main-draw victory at the tournament after three opening-round exits.
Keeping the No. 1 pursuit alive
This season's Roland Garros and US Open champion is also trying to reach the top of the rankings. The ATP outlined a possible route after the Asian swing: Zverev must win Beijing and Shanghai, with Jannik Sinner failing to reach the fourth round in Shanghai. That combination of results has yet to happen; beating Norrie simply keeps the path open.
Tennis TV's official highlights cover the best moments of this match in Beijing in 2026.
