Novak Djokovic does not like technology interference while he is in the heat of battle. If anyone has a doubt about that, just look at his recent match against Alexander Zverev. During the China Open clash between the two, the Serb was on the receiving end of a VAR challenge from the German after the rally in question concluded. This saw the former World No.1 engage in a heated argument with the chair umpire over the new regulations.

The incident happened in the second game of the match. With Zverev serving at 1-0, the score was tied at 30-30 after the German missed a forehand. However, the World No.2 made his case to the umpire, claiming that the LED signs on the court had changed their images while he was serving, a claim later confirmed by video review. This prompted umpire Adel Nour to call for the point to be replayed, at which point Djokovic pleaded his case, as the request for video review came after the point finished.

“He served. I played one shot and he played another shot. Is that ok? If he was annoyed by that change there, he’d stop after the serve & he’d call it,” Djokovic was heard saying to the umpire on the court. “This must be one of the most stupid change of rules I’ve ever heard in my life.”

Having been broken in the opening game, Djokovic’s frustrations were understandable, as that point would have given him a chance to break back. However, Zverev managed to hold on to take a 2-0 lead and eventually served the first set out at 6-4.

The introduction of the VAR has provided players with some leeway regarding challenge timings. Under the older regulations, Zverev would have to stop the point immediately after he felt there was a distraction. The fact that the German played another shot after that would have nullified any premise for a challenge. However, with technology that can provide accurate replays, players can challenge after finishing the point.

Such a situation occurred at Indian Wells this year during the match between Jack Draper and Daniil Medvedev. During a rally, the Brit thought he had missed the shot, so he threw his arms in frustration. However, the ball was in, and the two played a long rally, with the point going the Brit’s way. However, this is when Medvedev issued his video challenge, claiming that Draper’s earlier gesture had distracted him, a view the umpire agreed with after seeing the replay, handing the point to the Russian.

Current tennis rules are often subjective as players try to use them to their advantage. Zverev, himself, was at the center of criticisms at the US Open, where the German had developed the bad habit of bouncing the ball too many times. This led former players and opponents to emphasize the need for a timer between the first and second serves as well.

However, despite winning the first set, Zverev did not have the last laugh, as Djokovic rallied back to win in three sets, keeping his unblemished China Open record intact.

Novak Djokovic Remains Unbeaten in Beijing

Beijing remained a fortress for Djokovic, who went 32-0 at the event after his win over Zverev. The Serb was understandably overjoyed at the results, still being bullish about his chances of going toe-to-toe with the top players in the world at high-profile events.

“I can still beat the best in the world in the most important tournaments. I’ve always known it. I still know it.”I’m very proud of the effort I’ve put in. When you play like that, you forget the problems and difficulties and keep moving forward,” said Djokovic in a post-match interview. “I work to reach this level and be able to beat the best in the world, for matches like tonight’s”.

Given that he beat Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open, pushed Carlos Alcaraz in a close final in Melbourne, and won a five-hour thriller against Felix Auger-Aliassime at Wimbledon, there would not be many who would argue with Djokovic’s comments. The Serb has repeatedly shown glimpses of his vintage tennis, but it has been his health that has hampered him, something that already had him on his back in his previous match.

However, against Zverev, there was no health scare, as Djokovic pounced on the few break-point opportunities he got in the second and third sets. In the second set, he got only one break point against the German’s serve, which was also the set point, which he converted. The third set went the same way, as the Serb made his play in the tenth game of the set, having a 5-4 lead. Even though Zverev saved one match point, Djokovic proved to be too strong for the World No. 2.

Djokovic is all set to play Daniil Medvedev in the semifinal. The Russian is in decent form himself, as he won the title in Hangzhou last week, but given Djokovic’s record in Beijing, the Russian will be up against it.