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 his semi‑final or final encounter. The Serbian star’s path to the championship was unusual: his semi‑final opponent, Daniil Medvedev, was disqualified after inadvertently striking a spectator with a ball, granting Djokovic a walk‑over into the final. In the championship match, Djokovic captured his 102nd career title when Australian contender Alex de Minaur retired early in the second set. De Minaur, who had taken a medical timeout after losing the first set, returned to the court with a heavily bandaged left thigh.
Despite his determination, the Australian was forced to withdraw after securing only the opening game of the second set, leaving the score at 7‑6 (7‑3), 0‑1 in Djokovic’s favour. The Serbian’s narrow first‑set victory had been hard‑fought, with both players exchanging powerful baseline rallies and testing each other's defenses.
During the post‑match ceremony, Djokovic reflected on his long‑standing connection with the Beijing venue, noting, "It’s been 11 years since I last played here. I always set high standards for myself and visualise lifting the trophy, especially in a city where I have never been beaten. Yet I also recognise that the reality on court can be different these days." His words underscored the blend of confidence and humility that has characterised his career.
The win marks Djokovic’s 102nd tour‑level triumph, placing him just one title behind Roger Federer’s Open‑Era record of 103 and well ahead of most of his contemporaries, with only Jimmy Connors’ 109 titles standing above both. At 39, Djokovic also extended his flawless record at ATP 500 events to 34‑0, a statistic that bolsters his bid to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals later in the season. The final itself featured several notable moments.
In the opening set, 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 down the line. The Australian held his ground, yet his unforced error count rose during the tie‑break, ultimately handing the set to Djokovic.
After the set, an exhausted Djokovic required treatment, highlighting the physical toll the tournament had taken on both athletes. Speaking about the challenges he has faced throughout the year, Djokovic admitted, "This season has been quite demanding, with many physical and health issues. I was simply trying to find a good feeling on the court.
I know I’m feeling well and striking the ball cleanly, and I can still compete at the highest level. This week has proven that." His comments reflect a broader narrative of resilience, as he has navigated injuries and scheduling disruptions while maintaining a high level of play. De Minaur, who last retired from a professional match in 2017 as a teenager, expressed his disappointment at the way the final ended. "I want to apologise to all the wonderful fans who came to watch this match.
I didn’t want it to finish like this, so I’m really sorry. To my team – both here and back home – thank you. It’s been a great week and I’m sure there’s plenty more to come," he said, emphasizing his gratitude despite the anticlimactic conclusion.
Former British No. 1 Johanna Konta, speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, described the ending as "anticlimactic" and noted the lack of emotional release that typically accompanies a hard‑fought victory.
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 handled them admirably. We don’t want to see matches end in retirement, and Djokovic probably wouldn’t want that either. However, I’m sure he’s pleased he wasn’t pushed to his physical limits and is satisfied with his performance this week. I would have been less surprised if Novak had retired himself." Beyond the immediate drama, Djokovic’s triumph in Beijing carries significant implications for the remainder of the season.
The victory not only strengthens his ranking points but also serves as a confidence booster ahead of upcoming ATP 1000 events and the year‑end championships. His ability to secure titles without the need for match points suggests a level of dominance that could prove decisive as the tour moves into its final stretch. Fans looking to relive the action can stream the China Open and the Shanghai Masters on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, which offer live coverage without contractual restrictions.
The tournament’s blend of high‑stakes competition and unexpected twists, like Medvedev’s disqualification, has provided tennis enthusiasts with memorable moments and underscored the unpredictable nature of the sport. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s seventh China Open victory showcases his enduring excellence, strategic adaptability, and mental fortitude. By navigating a semi‑final walk‑over and a final that concluded with an opponent’s retirement, he secured his 102nd career title, moved one step closer to surpassing Federer’s Open‑Era record, and reinforced his status as a formidable contender for the season’s remaining marquee events.