Novak Djokovic captured the 102nd singles title of his career on Oct. 6, 2026, defeating Alex de Minaur in the final of the China Open at the Olympic Green Tennis Center in Beijing, China, after De Minaur retired with a left adductor injury.
Victory in Beijing Extends Unbeaten Streak to 34 Matches
Djokovic secured his 102nd ATP Tour-level singles title under unusual circumstances when Australia’s Alex de Minaur conceded the final after dropping a tight first-set tiebreak. The opening frame went the distance before Djokovic edged it 7–6(7–3). In the second set, after De Minaur won the first game, De Minaur signaled that he could no longer continue due to a left adductor injury, handing Djokovic the victory.
The win marks Djokovic’s sixth appearance and sixth title at the ATP 500 tournament in Beijing, stretching his record at the event to 34 wins. It also represents his first triumph at the Chinese capital in 11 years, as he returned to the venue for the first time in 11 years.
Milestones and Records Fall for the 39-Year-Old Serbian Star
At 39 years and four months old, Djokovic became the oldest singles title-winner in the history of the ATP Tour since its establishment in 1990. The victory also pushes his career total to 102 ATP titles, putting him within one of Roger Federer’s mark of 103 tournament victories.
The triumph extends an unprecedented streak: Djokovic has now claimed at least one ATP Tour-level singles title in 21 seasons. The achievement stands out during an era when his long-standing rivals, Federer and Rafael Nadal, have already concluded their professional careers.
Mixed Emotions After the Final Shortened by Injury
Speaking after the trophy presentation, Djokovic admitted his feelings about the conclusion were complicated. “Frankly, it is a bit of a mixed feeling,” Djokovic said. “It has been one of the best weeks of my tennis in recent years, but it feels awkward to jump and celebrate when your opponent has to retire.”
Despite the abrupt ending, the world No. 11 reflected on what the Beijing milestone means for his trajectory. “It has been 11 years since I last played here,” Djokovic said. “I always hold myself to high standards, and I always envisioned lifting the trophy again in Beijing, a place where I have never lost. When I feel good and strike the ball well, I know I can compete at the highest level. This week was proof of that.”
Form and Fitness Through the 2026 Season
The Beijing victory arrives during a turbulent year for the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Djokovic opened the 2026 campaign by reaching the final of the Australian Open and later advanced to the semifinals at Wimbledon, demonstrating his continued competitiveness at major tournaments.
Subsequent months brought uncharacteristic setbacks, including an early exit at the Cincinnati Masters and a surprising first-round elimination at the US Open in September. Those results prompted external questions regarding a potential decline in form for the veteran competitor, but his run in Beijing answered those doubts with another major trophy.
What Comes Next on the Tour Schedule
Following his title run in Beijing, Djokovic’s upcoming tournament schedule and entry lists for the late-season indoor hard-court swing remain to be officially confirmed by his team.
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