Novak Djokovic is aiming to reach the Nitto ATP Finals as he looks ahead to a China Open quarter-final with Alexander Zverev.
The Serb is into the last eight in Beijing after battling through two rounds in China and has continued his perfect record at the tournament to 31-0.
There is a lot for Djokovic to play for as the former world number one is keen on qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals later this year, “At the moment I’m also not qualified yet for the race for Turin. This year I would like to play if I qualify,” Djokovic told the ATP website.
Both in Beijing and at other tournaments Djokovic has struggled with his health as he has been seen throwing up and not feeling well.
After his second round win, Djokovic reflected on his health this season and where it is now, “Truth is that this year has been a big, big struggle for me with few particular issues that I’ve been having,” Djokovic acknowledged.
“I’ve been just trying to find different ways to be at least giving myself a decent condition physically and health-wise to be on the court and compete with the player across the net. If the player beats me, if he’s better, great.
“Most of the matches and tournaments this year that I’ve played have been a real, real struggle for me physically. That’s nothing to do with stamina. People mix it up. It’s not stamina. It’s something else. More related to health. I don’t want to be revealing what it is, but I’m trying to get to the bottom of it with my team. Sometimes it works better, sometimes it doesn’t.”
Djokovic will now face Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals after he defeated Juncheng Shang 6-4 6-1 and the German is looking forward to the challenge that awaits him, “I’ve got a very difficult opponent tomorrow, but I’m looking forward to those challenges as well,” Zverev explained.
“I’m excited about it. This is one of his favourite courts, he’s never lost here. Of course, I am going to do everything I can to make it a challenge, compete, and hopefully be successful.”
Djokovic leads the head-to-head 9-5 with their last meeting being at last year’s Roland Garros quarter-finals which the Serb won.
