Novak Djokovic claimed his 102nd career title at the China Open on October 6, 2026, after Alex de Minaur retired injured in the final. The Serbian extended his perfect record at the tournament to 34-0, securing his seventh Beijing title and a historic streak of 21 consecutive years with at least one singles trophy.
Novak Djokovic secured his 102nd career title at the China Open on October 6, 2026, after Australian Alex de Minaur retired injured in the final. The 39-year-old Serbian, who has never lost in Beijing, extended his perfect record at the tournament to 34-0, capturing his seventh title in the Chinese capital. De Minaur retired with a left adductor strain after winning the first game of the second set, leaving Djokovic to claim the 7-6(3), 1-0 victory The Straits Times.
Djokovic Claims Historic Title
Djokovic’s triumph in Beijing marked his 21st consecutive year with at least one singles title, a record unmatched in tennis history. The Serbian, who has now won at least one title in each of the last 21 seasons, described his never-die spirit
as the key to his longevity. The grit and dedication and kind of never-die spirit that really is always with me
has carried him through a career spanning over two decades, he told reporters The Straits Times.
The match was a physical battle, with Djokovic winning the first set 7-6(3) after a tiebreak. De Minaur, who had advanced to the final after his opponent Hubert Hurkacz retired injured, played with a heavily bandaged left thigh but could not continue after winning the first game of the second set. I don’t feel great,
de Minaur said after the match. I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans that came to watch… I didn’t want to finish like this
Al Jazeera.
De Minaur’s Injury Ends Final Run
De Minaur’s retirement ended his run in the final, following a challenging season. The 27-year-old Australian said he felt something in his adductor during the first set
but continued play. His injury, later confirmed as a left adductor strain, forced him to retire after the first game of the second set.
In a post-match presentation, de Minaur expressed frustration at the timing of his injury. I don’t feel great … I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans
he said, adding I didn’t want to finish like this
Fox Sports.
Historical Context and Records
Djokovic’s victory in Beijing solidified his position as the oldest male player to claim a singles title, following Ken Rosewall’s achievement in Hong Kong in 1977 when he was 43. The Serbian also became the first player to win at least one title in 21 consecutive seasons, a feat that places him ahead of legends like Rafael Nadal (19 consecutive seasons) and Jimmy Connors (13) Puntodebreak.
The win also solidified Djokovic’s status in tennis history. With 102 career titles, he is just seven behind the all-time leader, Jimmy Connors, and continues to defy age and physical challenges. Djokovic detailed the key to his remarkable longevity to reporters in Beijing.
Women’s Tournament and Other Highlights
In the women’s tournament, Karolina Muchova overcame former world number one Naomi Osaka on the ninth match point to advance to the quarter-finals. The Czech player told the crowd, It’s me, and I’m really grateful for it
The Straits Times.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz retained his Japan Open crown, cruising past Jiri Lehecka. The Spaniard said, I’m really happy to be able to lift a trophy again
Al Jazeera.