Novak Djokovic won his seventh China Open title and the 102nd of his career after final opponent Alex de Minaur retired injured, extending his streak of winning at least one title in each of the last 21 years.
Key facts
- Djokovic won the China Open final 7-6, 0-1 after Alex de Minaur retired injured.
- The victory is the 102nd tour-level title of Djokovic's career.
- It is his seventh China Open title, maintaining a record of never losing at the tournament in Beijing.
- Djokovic has now won at least one title in each of the past 21 years.
- Both finalists reached the final without completing their earlier matches, according to the Guardian.
Novak Djokovic has won the 102nd title of his career after claiming the China Open in Beijing, with final opponent Alex de Minaur retiring injured. The 39-year-old Serbian won 7-6, 0-1 after De Minaur pulled out early in the second set, according to the Guardian.
The result marks Djokovic’s seventh China Open title and maintains his record of never having lost at the tournament, the Guardian reported. It was his first title for nearly a year, ending a drought for the former world No 1.
Djokovic’s win means he has now claimed at least one title in each of the last 21 years, according to the Guardian. Sky Sports noted that he won the tournament without facing a match point in either his semi-final or the final.
The path to the final was unusual for both players. According to the Guardian, both men reached the final without having to complete their earlier matches. Djokovic benefited from what the outlet described as the much-publicised disqualification of Daniil Medvedev, while De Minaur’s semi-final opponent Hubert Hurkacz withdrew because of injury.
The BBC reported that the achievement carries significance beyond the trophy itself, headlining that the win ‘means more than just a trophy’ for Djokovic. The milestone adds to the Serbian’s extensive collection of tour-level honours.
Elsewhere on the same day, the Guardian reported that Carlos Alcaraz claimed glory at the Japan Open, beating Jiri Lehecka for his first title since February.
Why it matters
Djokovic's 102nd title underlines his continued dominance in tennis well into his late 30s, extending a 21-year run of winning at least one title each season. His unbeaten record in Beijing cements the China Open as one of his most reliable hunting grounds.
Frequently asked questions
How many career titles does Novak Djokovic now have?
Djokovic now has 102 tour-level titles overall, according to the Guardian.
What was the final score of the China Open final?
Djokovic won 7-6, 0-1 after Alex de Minaur retired injured following one game of the second set, according to the Guardian.
How many times has Djokovic won the China Open?
This is his seventh China Open title, and he has never lost at the tournament, according to the Guardian.