Djokovic turns back the clock to dispatch Zverev in vintage style

Djokovic landed the decisive break at the end of the second set to level the match, then stayed ice-cold through a tight decider, striking the vital break late and closing the match on his second match point to rousing cheers from the Beijing crowd, which has provided him with "home-court" levels of support over the past three rounds.

Djokovic's 32nd straight win has also broken the Open era record for the longest unbeaten run of a man at a single tournament, surpassing Rafael Nadal's 31-match streak at Roland Garros.

So grateful for the overwhelming support that helped carry him through all the tough, long rallies, Djokovic took the stage during his post-match celebration to express his gratitude to his Chinese fans in a special way.

He put the head of his racket on his left shoulder and celebrated the win by pretending to play violin with the racket, a gesture originally inspired by his daughter Tara's love for music.

"The crowd; I have to mention that they were phenomenal again," said Djokovic, a fan favorite in China for many years.

"They were so engaged, so loud and so supportive. They, for sure, were a big deciding factor, as well, to turn this match around for me.

"It just came out in that moment. It's one of the celebrations I have. It's also a way to, I guess, express my love and connection with my daughter, but also with the Chinese fans," Djokovic said of his violin celebration.

That will be music to the ears of his local "NoleFam", no doubt, as the Serbian great's timeless ability to summon his A-game under pressure, amplified by the fans' nonstop backing, ensures his Beijing fairy tale gets another chapter.