In their first meeting in just under 16 months, Djokovic initially struggled to handle Zverev’s power, and the 29-year-old secured the first set after capitalising on a break in the first game.

However, Djokovic managed to work his way back into the contest, and the 24-time Grand Slam winner seized an opportunity with a break at 5-4 in the second set to level the match.

Little separated the pair in the third set, but the veteran struck again at 5-4 on Zverev’s serve to clinically seal victory.

It took Djokovic’s unbeaten tally in Beijing to 32 matches as he moved a step closer to a seventh China Open title and a first trophy of what has been a difficult 2026, with form and fitness proving challenging.

“It’s been a struggle this year for different reasons,” Djokovic added.

“But I’m still there, still grinding, still making the youngsters work for their money. I’m just glad to push it through.”

Djokovic will face third seed Medvedev, who earlier overcame Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (7-4) 6-3, on Monday.

“That’s what you need to win this kind of race,” Barzalona told Sky Sports.

“It was a tough race and didn’t go quite as we expected, but he showed his talent to make a difference in the end.”

It was considered a gamble to keep last year’s Arc winner in training aged four, when most top-class colts are retired at three because of the lucrative breeding fees.

But it has paid off for owners Aga Khan Studs, who claimed the winner’s cheque of more than £2.5m.

Daryz added two further Group One victories to his tally this season and won his Arc prep race in grand style last month.

“He’s a good horse, he’s a champion,” said jubilant winning trainer Graffard, following his second success in the race.

“It’s rare that I am confident in the race – I always try to keep my feet on the ground because it is so hard to win these races.

“But I knew that if things were going right for him during the trip he was very hard to beat because he is a real champion.”