Novak Djokovic, the former world number one, added a seventh China Open crown to his impressive résumé, securing the victory without ever having to fend off a match point in either the semi‑final or the final. The Serbian legend’s path to the trophy was unusual: his semi‑final opponent, Daniil Medvedev, was disqualified after an errant shot struck a spectator, granting Djokovic an automatic win. In the championship match, Australian contender Alex de Minaur retired after the first set, handing Djokovic his 102nd career title.
The final began with Djokovic edging a tightly contested first set, ultimately prevailing 7‑6 (7‑3). De Minaur, who had taken a medical timeout after the opening set and was playing with a substantial bandage on his left thigh, managed to claim the opening game of the second set.
However, his physical condition deteriorated, and he was forced to retire with the score at 7‑6 (7‑3), 0‑1 in Djokovic’s favour. During the post‑match ceremony, Djokovic reflected on his long‑standing connection with Beijing, noting, "It’s been 11 years since I last played here. I always set high expectations for myself and visualise standing on this podium, especially in a city where I’ve never been beaten. Yet I also understand that the reality on court can be different today." His comments underscored the blend of confidence and humility that has defined his later career.
The triumph marks Djokovic’s 102nd tour‑level title, moving him within a single win of Roger Federer’s Open‑Era record of 103 and placing him second only to Jimmy Connors, who amassed 109 titles. At 39 years old, Djokovic also extended his flawless record at ATP 500 events to 34‑0, a statistic that reinforces his dominance at this tier of competition. Beyond the personal milestones, the victory bolsters Djokovic’s chances of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals, an elite year‑end tournament that gathers the season’s top eight players.
His performance in Beijing, despite the unconventional circumstances, demonstrated that he can still compete at the highest level when his health permits. The semi‑final against Medvedev had been a showcase of baseline exchanges, with both players attempting to dictate play from the back of the court. In the fifth game, de Minaur came close to breaking Djokovic’s serve, but the Serbian saved the break point with a full‑stretch backhand that skimmed the sideline.
The Australian held his ground, yet his unforced error count rose during the tie‑break, allowing Djokovic to clinch the set. Even Djokovic required treatment during the change‑over, a reminder of the physical toll that elite tennis exacts.
When de Minaur signalled his intention to retire, Djokovic expressed surprise, noting the abrupt end to what had been a hard‑fought contest. "This year has been quite challenging for me: lots of physical and health issues," Djokovic admitted. "I was just trying to find a good feeling on the court.
I know that I’m feeling well and striking the ball well, I can compete at the highest level. This week has been evidence of that." De Minaur, who last retired from an official match in 2017 as a teenager, offered an apology to the fans: "I’m sorry to all the amazing supporters who came to watch.
I didn’t want to finish like this, so I’m really sorry. To my team—those here and those back home—thank you. It’s been a great week and I’m sure there’s plenty more to come." Former British No.
1 Johanna Konta, speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, described the conclusion as "anticlimactic" and highlighted the emotional release missing from a retirement. She added, "Djokovic was the best player this week because you can only ask a player to deal with the challenges presented to them, and he dealt with the challenges ahead of him. We don’t want to see matches end in retirement, and Djokovic probably wouldn’t want that either. However, he’ll be pleased that he wasn’t stretched to his physical limits and can appreciate the positives from this week.
I would have been less surprised had Novak retired." The Beijing event also featured a broader tennis schedule, with the WTA and ATP China Open alongside the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters available for streaming on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports App. Fans worldwide could follow the action live, despite the occasional technical hiccups that sometimes affect online viewing.
In summary, Novak Djokovic’s seventh China Open title underscores his enduring excellence and adaptability. Even when matches end abruptly, his ability to seize opportunities—whether through an opponent’s disqualification or a retirement—adds another chapter to a storied career that continues to inspire both supporters and fellow competitors.
The victory not only enriches his personal legacy but also strengthens his position in the race for the season‑ending ATP Finals, keeping the spotlight firmly on the Serbian star as he navigates the remainder of the 2024 calendar.