Novak Djokovic, the former world No. 1, added a seventh China Open trophy to his impressive résumé, clinching the title without ever having to fend off a match point in either the semi‑final or the championship match.
The Serbian legend’s path to victory was unusual: his semi‑final opponent, Daniil Medvedev, was disqualified after an errant shot struck a spectator, awarding Djokovic the win by default. In the final, Djokovic captured his 102nd career title when Australian contender Alex de Minaur retired due to a thigh injury. De Minaur began the final with a medical timeout after the first set, returning to the court with a substantial bandage wrapped around his left thigh. He managed to claim the opening game of the second set, but the pain proved too great and he was forced to withdraw.
At the moment of retirement, the scoreboard read 7‑6 (7‑3), 0‑1 in Djokovic’s favour. The Serbian had edged the first set in a tense tie‑break, and the early break in the second set suggested he might close out the match comfortably had his opponent been able to continue. During the trophy ceremony, Djokovic reflected on his long‑standing connection with the Beijing venue. "It’s been 11 years since I last played here," he said.
"I always set very high standards for myself and I visualize standing on this podium, especially in a city where I have never suffered a loss. Yet I also understand that the reality on court can be quite different now." His remarks underscored the mental discipline that has defined his career, even as he navigates the physical challenges that come with age. The victory marks several milestones for Djokovic.
The 102nd tour‑level title moves him within a single win of Roger Federer's Open Era record of 103, second only to Jimmy Connors’ 109 titles. It also preserves his flawless record at ATP 500 events, extending his unbeaten streak at the China Open to 34‑0.
Moreover, the win bolsters his chances of qualifying for the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals later in the season, a tournament that gathers the year’s elite players. The final itself featured a compelling exchange of baseline rallies. Both competitors sought to dominate from the back of the court, testing each other's consistency and shot selection. De Minaur came close to breaking Djokovic’s serve in the fifth game of the opening set, but the Serbian saved the break point with a full‑stretch backhand that skimmed the sideline.
The Australian held his own, but his unforced error count rose during the tie‑break, allowing Djokovic to clinch the set 7‑6. Even Djokovic required medical attention during the set break, highlighting the physical toll the tournament had taken on both athletes. He expressed surprise when De Minaur signaled his intention to retire, noting the abrupt end to what had been a competitive encounter.
"This year has been particularly demanding for me," Djokovic admitted. "I’ve dealt with a host of physical and health issues, but I kept focusing on finding a good feeling on the court. I know I’m playing well, striking the ball cleanly, and I can still compete at the highest level. This week is proof of that." De Minaur offered an apology to the spectators who had gathered to watch the match.
"I’m sorry to the amazing fans who came out tonight. I didn’t want the match to end like this," he said, recalling his own retirement from an official match back in 2017 when he was a teenager. He thanked his team, both on‑site and back home, and expressed optimism about future opportunities.
Former British No. 1 Johanna Konta commented on the anticlimactic conclusion, noting the lack of emotional release that typically accompanies a hard‑fought victory.
"Djokovic was the best player this week because you can only ask a player to deal with the challenges presented to them, and he handled them perfectly," she told Sky Sports Tennis. Konta added that while retirements are never ideal, she appreciated that Djokovic was not pushed to his physical limits and could finish the tournament in good health.
Statistically, Djokovic’s performance in Beijing added to an already impressive record: 34 wins, 0 losses, and no sets dropped across 34 matches at the event, along with 12 victories over top‑10 opponents and seven titles overall. These numbers reinforce his dominance on the ATP 500 circuit and illustrate why he remains a perennial contender for year‑end honors. The China Open, part of the ATP 500 series, continues to attract top talent and offers fans high‑quality tennis in a vibrant setting. For viewers who missed the live action, the tournament’s matches are available for streaming on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, providing access to both the men’s and women’s draws, including the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters.
In summary, Novak Djokovic’s seventh China Open triumph not only expands his already historic title count but also demonstrates his resilience in the face of adversity, both on and off the court. While the final ended prematurely due to De Minaur’s injury, the Serbian’s ability to capitalize on the circumstances and maintain his high standards cements his status as one of the sport’s all‑time greats. The win adds another chapter to his storied career and sets the stage for a compelling run toward the ATP Finals and beyond.