ATP Tour

Djokovic wins 102nd tour-level title in Beijing after De Minaur retires

Novak Djokovic claimed a record-extending seventh China Open crown on Tuesday after Alex de Minaur retired at the beginning of the second set of their final in Beijing.

The former No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, Djokovic won the opening set 7-6(3) before both players took a medical timeout. De Minaur left the court for treatment on his groin and, after returning, the Australian retired after winning the opening game.

The victory marks the 102nd tour-level title of Djokovic’s career, moving him within one of Roger Federer’s 103 for second-most in the Open Era, behind only Jimmy Connors’ 109. The 39-year-old Serbian also extended his perfect record at the ATP 500 event to 34-0, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

Djokovic returned to Beijing this year for the first time since 2015, when he defeated Rafael Nadal in the final to win his sixth title at the event. This week, Djokovic defeated top seed Alexander Zverev in a thrilling quarter-final and then was serving for the match against Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals when the latter was defaulted.

“It’s been 11 years since I last played here,” Djokovic explained during the trophy ceremony. “I always have high expectations of myself and always want to visualise myself with the trophy, particularly here in Beijing, a place where I have never lost. 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. I know that if I’m feeling well and striking the ball well, I can compete at the highest level. This week has been evidence of that.”

By becoming the first man in the Open Era to win a tour-level trophy in 21 consecutive seasons, Djokovic has also significantly strengthened his hopes of returning to the Nitto ATP Finals this year. He has risen six places to ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin and now leads 10th-placed De Minaur by 140 points.

“It’s a bit of a strange feeling, to be honest,” Djokovic told ATP Media. “I want to celebrate, because I’ve played one of the best weeks in the last couple of years. At the same time, he [De Minaur] retired at the beginning of the second, so it doesn’t feel right to jump around and be joyful. But deep inside, I’m very proud of this achievement.”

Men's Tour-Level Hard-Court Title Leaders

At the Australian Open this year, De Minaur spoke candidly about his desire to avoid becoming a ‘punching bag’ for the top players and improve his ability to move opponents out of position. Against Djokovic — one of the best defensive players in ATP Tour history — that proved a difficult challenge, but the Australian showed plenty of intent in the opening set.

De Minaur repeatedly used his impressive court coverage and willingness to attack to put Djokovic on the back foot, only for the 39-year-old Serbian to showcase his shot making when it mattered. Facing break point at 2-2, 30/40 and under pressure in the exchange, Djokovic dug out a remarkable backhand passing winner, drawing a roar from the 15,000 fans inside the stadium.

Djokovic then produced a watertight performance in the first-set tie-break to take it 7-6(3). Both players subsequently called for the physio, with Djokovic receiving treatment before De Minaur left the court for attention. The Australian returned to begin the second set, but after winning the opening game, he was unable to continue and retired.

“I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans who came to watch this match,” De Minaur said. “I didn’t want to finish like this, so I’m really sorry. To my team — those who are here and also back home — thank you. It’s been a great week and I’m sure there’s plenty more to come.”