Novak Djokovic Claims 102nd Career Title with China Open Victory

Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic has secured his seventh China Open title, navigating a unique path to victory through both a disqualification and a retirement.

Djokovic advanced to the final after his semi-final opponent, Daniil Medvedev, was disqualified for striking a spectator with a ball. In the championship match, Djokovic claimed his 102nd career title following the retirement of Alex De Minaur.

De Minaur, who required a medical timeout following the opening set, attempted to continue the match despite a heavy bandage on his left thigh. However, he was unable to proceed after winning the opening game of the second set.

Djokovic had narrowly secured the first set, with the match tied at 7-6 (7-3), 0-1 at the moment of De Minaur’s retirement.

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Novak Djokovic in Beijing

34 wins

0 losses

5 sets dropped in 34 matches

12 top 10 wins

7 titles

“It has been 11 years since I last played here,” Djokovic remarked during the trophy ceremony. “I always hold myself to high expectations and strive to visualize myself with the trophy, especially in Beijing, where I have an undefeated record. However, I was mindful that the current reality is somewhat different.”

This 102nd tour-level title brings Djokovic within one title of Roger Federer’s 103, placing him second only to Jimmy Connors’ 109 in the Open Era.

The 39-year-old Serbian also maintained a perfect 34-0 record at this ATP 500 event.

The victory also significantly bolsters his prospects for a return to the Nitto ATP Finals this year.

The two competitors engaged in a high-intensity first set, utilizing aggressive baseline play to pressure one another.

De Minaur nearly secured a break in the fifth game, but the Serbian responded by saving the break point with a precise, full-stretch backhand down the line.

While the Australian remained competitive, his error rate climbed during the tie-break, allowing Djokovic to take the opening set.

An exhausted Djokovic also required medical attention during the interval and expressed surprise when De Minaur signaled the end of the match.

“This year has been quite challenging for me, involving various physical and health issues,” Djokovic noted.

“I was focused on finding a good rhythm on the court. I know I am feeling well and striking the ball cleanly; I can still compete at the highest level, and this week has proven that.”

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“I want to apologize to all the wonderful fans who came to watch this match,” said De Minaur, who had not retired from an official match since 2017. “I didn’t want to end my tournament this way, and I am truly sorry. To my team, both here and at home—thank you. It has been a great week, and I am confident there is much more to come.”

‘We do not want to see matches end in retirement’

“It is the anticlimactic nature of the situation that is difficult,” a former British No. 1, Johanna Konta, told Sky Sports Tennis. “You don’t get that emotional release at the end of a contest.

“Djokovic was the superior player this week because he successfully navigated the various challenges presented to him. That is the essence of competing.

“We collectively want to avoid seeing matches conclude in retirement, and I am sure Djokovic feels the same. However, I suspect he is satisfied that he wasn’t pushed to his absolute physical limit, and he will surely be pleased with his overall performance this week.

“I would have been far less surprised if it had been Djokovic who retired.”

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