Novak Djokovic wins 102nd career title in Peking after De Minaur retires

Novak Djokovic claimed his 102nd career title and extended his flawless record in the Chinese capital to 34 match wins by defeating Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the final of the ATP tournament in Peking. The 39-year-old Serbian star secured the opening set in a tense tiebreak before de Minaur was forced to retire due to a left leg injury with the score at 7-6 (7-3), 0-1 after one hour and 23 minutes of play.

Victory in Peking and Return to the Top Ten

The triumph marks Djokovic’s seventh title at the China Open and lifts him back into the top ten of the ATP world rankings. The physical toll of the season had previously sparked retirement speculation, particularly following a subdued and physically drained appearance at the US Open in New York. In Peking, however, Djokovic found his footing once more, winning successive matches against three top-ten opponents.

Djokovic Admits Season Tested His Endurance

Despite his success on the court, Djokovic admitted that the entire season has tested his endurance. During tournament press conferences, he candidly addressed his ongoing physical struggles, explaining Die Wahrheit ist, dass dieses Jahr für mich ein großer, großer Kampf war, mit einigen ganz bestimmten Problemen, mit denen ich zu kämpfen hatte. He also displayed visible fatigue during matches, wheezing after long rallies, leaning his torso over his racket, bending his knees, and on occasion dragging himself to the bench during changeovers. Elaborating on his condition, Djokovic stated Ich möchte nicht verraten, was es genau ist, aber ich versuche, gemeinsam mit meinem Team der Sache auf den Grund zu gehen and added Manchmal klappt es besser, manchmal nicht, summarizing that most matches and tournaments this season have been körperlich ein echter, echter Kampf. Having secured his first tour-level title since November of the previous year and becoming the first man since Ken Rosewall in 1977 to win a tour title past the age of 39, Djokovic will turn his attention toward recovery and the remaining fixtures on the late-season ATP calendar.