Djokovic Wins Seventh China Open Crown as De Minaur Retires Hurt

Novak Djokovic claimed his seventh China Open title in Beijing after Alex de Minaur was forced to retire from the final while trailing 7-6(3), 0-1, on October 6, 2026.

A Champion’s Record Grows

At 39 years old, Djokovic continues to rewrite tennis history. The victory was the 102nd title of his legendary career and extended his astonishing perfect record in Beijing to 34 wins without a single defeat.

No player in the tournament’s history has dominated one city the way Djokovic has dominated Beijing. His seventh crown there puts him in a category of his own, and the home crowd has adopted him as one of their own over the years.

De Minaur’s Brave Stand

Alex de Minaur deserves enormous credit for his fighting performance. The Australian pushed Djokovic all the way in a tense first set, taking it to a tiebreak with fearless baseline hitting.

But his body could not withstand the physical demands of a second straight grueling week. Having survived a difficult semifinal, de Minaur had nothing left in reserve, and retirement was the only sensible option.

It was a cruel end to an excellent tournament for the Australian, who proved he can trouble the very best players in the world when fully fit.

The Road to Shanghai

Djokovic now turns his attention to the Shanghai Masters, where he will start among the favorites. At 39, every additional title only strengthens a legacy that may never be equaled in the sport.

For de Minaur, the focus will be on recovery. His performances in Asia have shown he belongs at the top level, and bigger prizes surely await if he can stay healthy.

Beijing’s Unbeatable King

Djokovic’s love affair with Beijing is one of sport’s great romances. Across multiple visits to the Chinese capital, he has never lost a single match, building a 34-0 record that spans well over a decade of dominance.

The 102nd title moves him further clear in the history books. Few athletes in any sport have maintained excellence into their late thirties the way Djokovic has, and his ability to keep winning against opponents nearly half his age defies all logic.

His game in Beijing was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Even in the tight first set against de Minaur, Djokovic’s serve held firm in the tiebreak, and his experience told when it mattered most. At 39, he remains the player everyone must go through to win the biggest titles.