Novak Djokovic, the former world number one, added a seventh China Open title to his impressive résumé, clinching the victory without ever having to fend off a match point in either the semifinal or the final. The Serbian star’s path to the trophy was unusual: his semifinal opponent, Daniil Medvedev, was disqualified after unintentionally striking a spectator with a ball, granting Djokovic an automatic win.
In the championship match, Djokovic secured his 102nd career title when Australian contender Alex de Minaur retired after the first set due to a thigh injury. De Minaur, who had taken a medical timeout following the opening set, returned to the court with a substantial bandage wrapped around his left thigh. He managed to claim the first game of the second set, but the pain proved too great, and he was forced to withdraw. At the moment of his retirement, the scoreboard read 7‑6 (7‑3), 0‑1 in Djokovic’s favour, giving the Serbian a narrow first‑set win before the match concluded.
During the post‑match 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 picture myself lifting the trophy here, especially because I’ve never lost in Beijing. Yet I also know that the reality on the court can be different now.” The triumph marks Djokovic’s 102nd tour‑level title, moving him just one win behind Roger Federer’s Open‑Era record of 103 and placing him second only to Jimmy Connors, who amassed 109 titles.
It also extends Djokovic’s flawless record at ATP 500 events to 34 wins and zero losses, underscoring his dominance at this tier of competition. Moreover, the victory bolsters his chances of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals later in the season. The final itself was a tightly contested affair, especially in the opening set. Both players exchanged powerful baseline rallies, each trying to dictate play and force errors from the other.
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 skimmed down the sideline. The Australian held his own, but his unforced error count rose during the tiebreak, allowing Djokovic to edge the set 7‑6 after a 7‑3 tiebreak score. Even Djokovic required treatment during the brief changeover, highlighting the physical toll the match had taken on both athletes. He expressed surprise when De Minaur signaled that he could not continue: “This year has been quite challenging for me, with many physical and health issues,” Djokovic admitted.
“I was trying to find a good feeling on court. I know I’m feeling well and hitting the ball cleanly, and I can still compete at the highest level. This week has shown that.” De Minaur, who last retired from a professional match in 2017 as a teenager, offered an apology to the fans: “I’m sorry to the amazing supporters who came to watch. I didn’t want the match to end this way, so I’m truly sorry.
Thanks to my team, both here and back home. It’s been a great week and there’s plenty more to come.” Former British No.
1 Johanna Konta, speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, described the conclusion as “anticlimactic.” She noted, “You don’t get the emotional release when a match ends in retirement. Djokovic was the best player this week because he handled the challenges presented to him. We don’t want to see matches end in retirement, and I’m sure Novak would prefer that too. Still, he can be pleased that he wasn’t pushed to his physical limits and that he performed well overall.
I would have been less surprised if Novak had retired himself.” The event also highlighted the growing importance of streaming platforms, with the China Open and the Shanghai Masters available on services like NOW and the Sky Sports app, offering fans the ability to watch live tennis without a traditional contract. This shift reflects broader changes in how audiences consume sports content, providing greater flexibility and accessibility for tennis enthusiasts worldwide. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s seventh China Open victory adds another milestone to an already historic career. While the final ended prematurely due to De Minaur’s injury, Djokovic’s resilience, strategic play, and ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances cemented his status as the tournament’s dominant force.
The win not only brings him closer to Federer’s Open‑Era record but also reinforces his position as a leading contender for the season‑ending ATP Finals, promising more exciting tennis action for fans in the months ahead.