Novak Djokovic has secured his seventh China Open title in an extraordinary finish to a tournament that saw him crowned champion without hitting a match point in either the semi-final or the final.
The 39-year-old Serbian claimed the 102nd title of his storied career in Beijing following a premature end to the final against Alex de Minaur. The match was cut short when the Australian, who had been struggling with a heavy bandage on his left thigh, was forced to retire just one game into the second set. At the time of the withdrawal, Djokovic led 7-6 (7-3) 0-1.
The victory capped a bizarre week for the former world No 1. His path to the final was cleared on Saturday after his semi-final opponent, Daniil Medvedev, was disqualified for hitting a spectator with a ball. Following the walkover into the final, Djokovic then faced a resilient De Minaur, who had sought medical attention for his leg injury after the first set. Despite his visible discomfort, the Australian attempted to push through the pain, but ultimately conceded that he could no longer compete.
“It’s been 11 years since I last played here,” a contemplative Djokovic said during the trophy ceremony. “I always have high expectations of myself… but I was also aware that reality is a little bit different these days. This year has been quite challenging for me: lots of physical and health issues. I was just trying to find a good feeling on the court. This week has been evidence that if I’m feeling well and striking the ball well, I can compete at the highest level.”
The title holds significant weight for the veteran, marking his 34th consecutive victory at the Beijing event—an undefeated streak that remains unblemished. It also brings him within one win of Roger Federer’s 103 tour-level titles, trailing only Jimmy Connors’ all-time record of 109 in the Open Era.
Former British No 1 Johanna Konta, speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, highlighted the anticlimactic nature of the conclusion. “You don’t have the release of emotions,” she said. “We do not want to see matches end in retirement, and Djokovic himself probably wouldn’t want that either. However, he was the best player this week because you can only deal with the challenges presented to you, and he did that.”
For De Minaur, the retirement was a bitter pill to swallow. “I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans who came to watch,” said the 27-year-old, who appeared visibly emotional. “I didn’t want to finish like this. It’s been a great week and I’m sure there’s plenty more to come.”
With this win, Djokovic has significantly boosted his campaign to qualify for the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals later this year, proving he remains a potent force on the circuit.
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