Novak Djokovic claimed the 102nd singles title of his career at the China Open after Alex de Minaur retired from the final with a left thigh problem. Djokovic led 7-6(7-3) 0-1 when the Australian was forced to quit, having both players take a medical timeout after a 68‑minute first set. De Minaur, 12 years Djokovic’s junior, managed only one game on the return before shaking hands.
It is the 21st consecutive year Djokovic has won at least one singles title, placing him only behind Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) in career singles titles. He has now won the China Open trophy seven times and is on a 34‑match winning streak at the event.
“This trophy means much more than one trophy, one tournament,” Djokovic said, adding that Beijing is a place where he has never lost. The 24‑time Grand Slam champion had only reached his second final of the year after losing the Australian Open to Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic’s path to Beijing included a win over world No. 2 Alexander Zverev and a semi‑final where Daniil Medvedev was defaulted. Despite recent health challenges, the Serb expressed pride in his performance, noting that a good feeling on court is evidence of his ability to compete at the highest level.
Alcaraz, who won the Japan Open and defended his Tokyo title, also returned from injury earlier in the year, claiming his third title of the season. Djokovic’s victory will see him re‑enter the world’s top 10.
