Novak Djokovic Wins Record Seventh China Open Title, Moves Closer to Federer

Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic won a record-extending seventh China Open title on Tuesday, securing his 102nd tour-level trophy after Australia's Alex de Minaur retired at the start of the second set because of a groin injury.

Djokovic took the opening set 7-6(3) in a closely contested final. Both players received medical attention during the match, with de Minaur eventually leaving the court for treatment. He returned briefly and won the opening game of the second set before retiring.

The victory moves Djokovic within one title of Roger Federer’s 103 tour-level trophies. Only Jimmy Connors, with 109 titles, has won more in the Open Era. The 39-year-old also maintained his remarkable record in the Chinese capital, improving to 34-0 in Beijing, according to the ATP Win-Loss Index.

Djokovic returned to the China Open this year for the first time since 2015, when he defeated Rafael Nadal to claim his sixth title. His latest campaign included a thrilling quarterfinal victory over Alexander Zverev and an unusual semifinal against Daniil Medvedev, who was defaulted after a ball struck a spectator.

The Serbian said the title was particularly satisfying after a challenging season affected by several physical and health issues. He added that the tournament showed he can still compete at the highest level when he is physically fit and striking the ball well.

The Beijing triumph also extended Djokovic's historic record. He became the first player in the Open Era to win a tour-level title in 21 consecutive seasons.

The title has further strengthened his bid to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin, with Djokovic moving to ninth in the ATP Race.

However, Djokovic admitted that celebrating was difficult because of de Minaur's retirement. He said he was proud of the achievement but did not feel it was right to celebrate too enthusiastically after his opponent was forced to end the match early.