Novak Djokovic, the former world number one, added a seventh China Open title to his impressive résumé, clinching the trophy without ever having to fend off a match point in either the semi‑final or the final. 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 championship match, Australian contender Alex de Minaur retired after the first set, handing Djokovic his 102nd career title. The final began with both players trading blows from the baseline, each trying to dictate the tempo.
De Minaur, who had to leave the court for a medical timeout after the opening set, returned with a sizable bandage wrapped around his left thigh. Despite his determination, he was unable to continue after securing the first game of the second set.
The score stood at 7‑6 (7‑3), 0‑1 in Djokovic’s favour when de Minaur called it a day. 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 high standards for myself and picture myself lifting the trophy, especially in a place where I’ve never been beaten. Yet I also recognise that the circumstances have changed over time." The win marks Djokovic’s 102nd tour‑level triumph, moving him just one title behind Roger Federer’s 103 in the Open Era and placing him ahead of all but Jimmy Connors, who amassed 109 titles. At 39, the Serbian star also preserved his flawless record at ATP 500 events, now standing at 34‑0.
This victory bolsters his chances of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals later in the season. The first set was a tightly contested affair. De Minaur came close to breaking Djokovic’s serve in the fifth game, but the Serbian saved the break point with a full‑stretch backhand that flew down the sideline. The Australian held his ground, yet his unforced error count rose during the tiebreak, allowing Djokovic to edge the set 7‑6.
After the set, Djokovic required a brief treatment break, and he appeared surprised when de Minaur signalled his retirement. Djokovic acknowledged the challenges he has faced throughout the year. "This season has been quite demanding for me, with numerous physical and health issues," he admitted.
"I was simply trying to find a good feeling on the court. I know I’m feeling well, hitting the ball cleanly, and I can still compete at the highest level.
This week has proven that." De Minaur expressed his disappointment at the way the match concluded. "I want to apologise to all the fantastic fans who came to watch," he said. "I didn’t want to finish like this, so I’m really sorry. To my team – both those here and 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 shared her perspective with Sky Sports Tennis, describing the ending as "anticlimactic." She noted, "You don’t get the usual release of emotions when a match ends in retirement. Djokovic was the best player this week because he handled the challenges presented to him, and that’s all there is to it. We don’t want to see matches end in retirement, and Djokovic probably wouldn’t want that either.
Still, he will be pleased that he wasn’t pushed to his physical limits and that he achieved so much this week. I would have been less surprised if Novak had retired himself." Beyond the immediate drama, Djokovic’s triumph reinforces his status as one of the sport’s most durable competitors. Maintaining an unbeaten streak in ATP 500 tournaments over 34 events underscores his consistency, while the 102nd title places him in elite company historically.
The win also adds valuable points toward his year‑end ranking, keeping his hopes of returning to the prestigious ATP Finals alive. For fans eager to relive the action, the match and related highlights are available for streaming on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports App, which also broadcast the WTA/ATP China Open and the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters.
While the final may have ended abruptly, the tournament as a whole showcased high‑quality tennis and highlighted the resilience of players navigating the physical demands of a grueling season. Overall, Djokovic’s seventh China Open victory, achieved without the pressure of a match point, reflects both his enduring skill and his ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances – from an opponent’s disqualification to an opponent’s retirement.
As the season progresses, the Serbian champion’s performance in Beijing will be remembered as a testament to his tenacity and his continued relevance at the pinnacle of men’s tennis.