Novak Djokovic claimed his 102nd career title at the China Open in Beijing, overcoming physical hurdles and a competitive field to secure his first tournament victory of 2026. He has no intention of retiring soon, wanting to complete the current season, play next year’s, and reach the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Beijing Triumph Proves Djokovic Can Still Beat the Best
Djokovic spent a week in Beijing demonstrating that his competitive drive remains intact after a difficult 2026 season that forced him to carefully select his tournament schedule.
In Beijing, however, Djokovic outlasted Alexander Zverev—who finished the year as the world number one after capturing two Grand Slam titles—and defeated Karen Khachanov’s compatriot Daniil Medvedev in a volatile encounter. Medvedev suffered a disqualification after hitting a ball into the crowd following a complete loss of composure, during which he mocked the Serbian player’s fatigue.
Targeting Los Angeles 2028 as the Final Frontier
Turning 40 in May, Djokovic has no immediate intention of retiring. After contesting only eight tournaments up to October—with a ninth confirmed at the Shanghai Masters—he is looking far beyond the current calendar.
Djokovic acknowledged that competing at age 41 during the next Summer Olympics presents a daunting physical challenge, but he remains confident in his level of play. “Eso es precisamente lo que he estado demostrando también esta semana.” Defending his crown at the 2028 Olympic Games may be his final major objective, after touching the sky in Paris in 2024 by winning the 2024 Olympic Games final against Carlos Alcaraz to achieve the long-awaited Olympic gold for his country.
Physical Health Remains the Only Hurdle
While his game and mental sharpness remain elite, Djokovic identified physical health as his sole variable for continuing, noting that age weighs heavily and his physique is no longer the same as yesteryear, a department in which he used to seem like a superhero with barely any injuries. Throughout the season he has also left some unknowns, such as following his elimination at Roland Garros. “No me preocupa mi juego ni mi estado mental; mi única preocupación son los problemas de salud física cuyo origen he estado tratando de determinar,” he explained.
Lasexta.com corroborated these remarks, noting that Djokovic feels his tennis remains close to that of current leaders Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev. “Una vez que eso se resuelva por completo —espero que pronto—, no veo ningún inconveniente para llegar a Los Ángeles,” Djokovic told reporters, expressing optimism about extending his career through the 2028 Olympic cycle once medical unknowns are cleared.
Upcoming Schedule at the Shanghai Masters
Following his championship run in Beijing, Djokovic immediately shifted his preparation toward the Shanghai Masters 1000 event. Lasexta.com reported that unlike smaller autumn draws, the tournament in Shanghai features a full contingent of top contenders, including Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, testing the veteran’s recovery following his grueling week in the Chinese capital.
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