Novak Djokovic Wins Seventh China Open Title After Alex de Minaur Retires
Novak Djokovic claimed his seventh China Open title in Beijing after Australian world No. 9 Alex de Minaur retired with a left adductor strain during the final, CNN Sports reported. The 39-year-old Serbian tennis star secured the 102nd ATP title of his career, extending his unbeaten record in Beijing to 34 matches.
Inside Djokovic’s Demanding Path to the Beijing Final
The tournament final ended abruptly on the Diamond Court when de Minaur shook hands at the net after the opening game of the second set, with Djokovic leading 7-6(3), 0-1, according to CNN Sports reporting. Djokovic defeated Nuno Borges, Bu Yunchaokete, and Alexander Zverev en route to the final, while Daniil Medvedev was defaulted in the semifinals. Djokovic told reporters in Beijing that the victory marked his tour-level trophy for the 21st consecutive season.
How Djokovic Views the Unforgiving Nature of Tennis
Following his victory, Djokovic addressed the unique pressures of professional tennis during his post-final press conference. He explained that individual sports require complete lifestyle dedication rather than just training commitment. If one day you don’t feel well, you’re out. You can’t sit on the bench and have somebody come in and replace you,
Djokovic stated. He also described the elimination tournament format as cruel, noting that a single day of illness or poor sleep ends a player’s tournament run immediately.
What Lies Ahead on the ATP Tour for the Veteran Champion
Following his success in the Chinese capital, Djokovic traveled to Shanghai for the next ATP Masters 1000 tournament. The veteran player intends to compete in Paris before the end of the season and aims to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin. Despite physical difficulties during the 2026 season that he and his team worked to understand, Djokovic continues to compete against younger elite players while maintaining a demanding professional schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Novak Djokovic in Beijing
Why did Alex de Minaur retire during the China Open final?
Alex de Minaur was forced to retire from the final because of a left adductor strain, stopping play just after the start of the second set with Djokovic leading 7-6(3), 0-1, according to CNN Sports.
How many career titles does Novak Djokovic hold?
Following his victory in Beijing, Novak Djokovic holds 102 tour-level ATP titles, leaving him just one victory behind Roger Federer’s career record, as reported by CNN Sports.
What is Novak Djokovic’s match record at the China Open?
Novak Djokovic holds a perfect 34-0 match record at the China Open tournament in Beijing, where he captured his seventh career title at the event.
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