“This means more than just a trophy,” Novak Djokovic said after capturing his 102nd career title at the China Open in Beijing.
Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic secured his 102nd career title at the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing, extending his perfect match record at the venue to 34–0, as oe24.at reported. The 39-year-old Serb claimed the trophy on the final day when his opponent, Australia’s Alex de Minaur, was forced to retire due to a groin injury with the score at 7–6(3), 1–0. The victory marks Djokovic’s seventh title in the Chinese capital and moves him within one tournament win of Roger Federer’s total, while Jimmy Connors holds the all-time record with 109 tour-level victories.
Injury Retirement Halts the Beijing Final
The championship match ended prematurely when Alex de Minaur could no longer continue. According to reports from sueddeutsche.de, the Australian returned for the second set wearing a bandage on his left leg following a medical timeout. After winning a hard-fought opening service game to lead 1–0 in the second set, De Minaur conceded the match due to a strained groin.
In the semifinals, the Serb advanced when Daniil Medwedew was disqualified after hitting a ball into the crowd in frustration, striking a spectator in the face, as sueddeutsche.de documented. Djokovic was leading 7–5, 5–3, 15–15 when the default occurred.
Milestones and Historic Longevity on the ATP Tour
Statistical records underline the rarity of Djokovic’s latest achievement at age 39. According to sport.orf.at, the 24-time Grand Slam champion became the first male professional tennis player to win a tour-level title after turning 39 since Ken Rosewall triumphed in Hong Kong in 1977 at the age of 43. Djokovic has now won at least one title every year since 2006.
Despite the historic numbers, Djokovic acknowledged that the current season has tested him physically. During a press conference in Beijing reported by sueddeutsche.de, the veteran player noted that this year has been a major struggle due to ongoing health and physical issues. Djokovic frequently caught his breath after extended rallies during the tournament, leaning over his racket or pausing before moving between benches.
Carlos Alcaraz Triumphs in Tokyo
While Djokovic claimed the trophy in Beijing, world number three Carlos Alcaraz also returned to the winners’ circle in Asia. Alcaraz defeated Czech Republic player Jiri Lehecka 7–6(4), 6–4 to win the final in Tokyo, as detailed by oe24.at. The Spaniard expressed relief after lifting his 27th career trophy, noting that he is still working back to his best level following a wrist injury that disrupted his season. The Tokyo title marks Alcaraz’s third tournament victory of the year, following earlier successes at the Australian Open and Doha.
Djokovic Seeks Top Eight Spot for ATP Finals
With the ranking points gained in Beijing, Djokovic moves to ninth place in the ongoing season race. Securing a spot among the top eight players to qualify for the ATP Finals remains a primary goal for the veteran competitor as the late-season indoor swing approaches.
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