Novak Djokovic wins his 102nd career ATP title at the China Open after Alex de Minaur retires injured, extending his unbeaten record in Beijing to 34-0.
Introduction:
Novak Djokovic won his 102nd career ATP singles title at the China Open on Sunday, claiming the championship after Alex de Minaur was forced to retire with an adductor injury while trailing 7-6 (3), 0-1 in the final.
Djokovic Wins Tight First-Set Tiebreak
Playing in his first tournament appearance in Beijing since 2015, the 39-year-old tennis legend picked up right where he left off eleven years ago. The championship match began as a high-intensity baseline battle, with both players showcasing incredible court coverage, deep groundstrokes, and unwavering mental toughness. See also:Â Novak Djokovic Plans Historic Return to Grass at Age 40
De Minaur pushed the Serbian superstar to his absolute limits during the opening set, matching his pace and creating several challenging rallies. Neither player would concede an inch, holding serve through twelve tight games.
With the set deadlocked at 6-6, the clash headed into a crucial tiebreak. Novak elevated his game when it mattered most, finding an extra gear of precision and experience to secure the tiebreak 7-3, capturing the opening set after a grueling battle.
Injury Forces De Minaur Retirement
As the second set got underway, the physical toll of the grueling first set caught up with the Australian challenger. De Minaur unfortunately suffered an adductor injury that severely hampered his movement on the court.
After Djokovic claimed the opening game of the second set to lead 0-1, De Minaur realized he could no longer continue safely and made the difficult decision to retire from the match, handing Djokovic the title.
With this victory, Djokovic extended his legendary unbeaten record at the China Open to a staggering 34-0, maintaining the greatest unbeaten start to any tournament in the Open Era. The triumph adds yet another historic milestone to his illustrious career.