Novak Djokovic won his seventh China Open title on Tuesday after Alex de Minaur retired with an injury early in the second set of the Beijing final. The victory gave the Serbian star his 102nd career tour-level title.
Djokovic won a tight opening set 7-6(3). De Minaur then received treatment and returned to the court with his left thigh heavily bandaged.
The Australian attempted to continue but retired after the opening game of the second set. Djokovic was leading 7-6(3), 1-0 when the match ended. De Minaur was dealing with a groin injury.
Novak Djokovic Extends Perfect China Open Record
The triumph extended Djokovic’s remarkable record in Beijing to 34 wins from 34 matches.
He previously won the China Open in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. His latest victory therefore marks his seventh title at the tournament and his first in Beijing in 11 years.
The 39-year-old also reached another major career milestone with his 102nd tour-level singles title. He now stands one title behind Roger Federer’s 103 and seven behind Jimmy Connors’ 109.
Djokovic also became the first man since Ken Rosewall in 1977 to win a tour-level title after turning 39. In addition, he has now won at least one singles title in 21 consecutive seasons.
His route to the trophy included a three-set quarterfinal victory over Alexander Zverev. Djokovic then advanced from the semifinal after Daniil Medvedev was disqualified for hitting a spectator with a ball. Djokovic was leading 7-5, 5-3 at the time.
De Minaur Forced to End Final Early
De Minaur’s retirement brought an unfortunate end to a closely contested final.
The Australian had battled Djokovic throughout the opening set before losing the tiebreak. However, his physical problem prevented him from completing the match.
The result secured Djokovic’s first title of the 2026 season and continued his perfect record at one of his most successful tournaments.
At 39, Djokovic’s latest Beijing triumph adds another milestone to a career that already includes a record 24 Grand Slam men’s singles titles.
