Djokovic Claims Seventh China Open Title as De Minaur Retires Injured

Novak Djokovic won his seventh China Open title on Tuesday after Alex De Minaur retired injured during the final in Beijing. De Minaur, who had sought treatment for a groin issue after the opening set, continued play with heavy bandaging on his left thigh but was unable to continue after winning the opening game of the second set. Djokovic won the match 7-6 (7-3), 0-1.

The 39-year-old Serbian claimed his 102nd ATP career title, moving within one of Roger Federer's record 103 titles in the Open Era, behind only Jimmy Connors' 109. Djokovic also extended his undefeated record at the China Open to 34-0, with the event marking his first appearance in Beijing since his previous title in 2015. Both players required medical attention during the match, with Djokovic also receiving treatment during the first-set break.

Djokovic reached the final without facing match points after his semi-final opponent Daniil Medvedev was disqualified for striking a spectator with the ball. In the final, De Minaur mounted early resistance, saving two break points and hitting 11 winners to Djokovic's three in the first set, but unforced errors in the tiebreak proved costly. De Minaur, ranked No. 9, was seeking his first Beijing title and his second of the year after winning Rotterdam in February.

Djokovic described the year as "quite challenging" due to physical and health issues but expressed satisfaction with his performance. "I was just trying to find a good feeling on the court," he said. "I know that I'm feeling well and striking the ball well, I can compete at the highest level. This week has been evidence of that." The victory significantly strengthens his hopes of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals. De Minaur apologized to fans, stating he had not wanted to finish the match in retirement.