Novak Djokovic secured his 102nd career ATP singles title and his first triumph in eleven months by winning the China Open in Beijing on October 6, 2026, where opponent Alex de Minaur retired due to a leg injury at the start of the second set.
Djokovic Claims Seventh Beijing Crown After de Minaur Injury Retirement
The 39-year-old Serbian star claimed a 7-6 (7-3), 1-0 victory in the ATP 500 final after de Minaur was forced to stop playing at the beginning of the second frame. Prior to the abrupt end, the two competitors contested a tight opening set that extended into a tiebreak, which Djokovic controlled to take the early lead. The victory marked Djokovic’s seventh title at the Beijing venue, adding to a tournament history where his only loss came during the 2008 Olympic Games.
Climbing the All-Time Title List Behind Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer
With his latest victory, Djokovic sits with 102 career ATP tournament titles, putting him just one trophy behind Roger Federer. American player Jimmy Connors holds the record with 109 tournament wins. The milestone also marks Djokovic’s first tournament victory since November 2025 in Athens, narrowing the gap in tennis history books as the veteran player continues his late-career run.
Facing a Tough Draw Through Three Top-Ten Opponents
To reach the final and capture the trophy, Djokovic achieved a notable statistical milestone by defeating three consecutive top-10 players in a single tournament for the first time since the 2023 Masters event. His run in Beijing featured straight victories over Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medwedew, and finally ninth-ranked Alex de Minaur. Records show that Djokovic is now the oldest player to win an ATP tournament since Ken Rosewall captured the Hong Kong title in 1977 at 43 years of age.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 China Open Final
What was the exact score when Alex de Minaur retired? De Minaur stopped playing while trailing 6-7 (3-7), 0-1 at the beginning of the second set on October 6, 2026.
How many times has Novak Djokovic won the tournament in Beijing? Djokovic has claimed the Beijing title seven times across his career, with his only defeat at the venue occurring during the 2008 Olympic Games.
Where does Djokovic rank in all-time ATP singles titles? Djokovic holds 102 career titles, placing him behind Jimmy Connors with 109 and Roger Federer.
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