Novak Djokovic has won his seventh China Open title after an unusual run through the final stages of the tournament, becoming champion without facing a match point in either his semi-final or final.
The 39-year-old Serbian defeated Australia’s Alex de Minaur 7-6(3), 0-1 in the final on Tuesday before his opponent retired because of an injury. The victory gave Djokovic his 102nd career singles title and extended his perfect record at the Beijing tournament to 34 wins from 34 matches.
The final was closely contested during the opening set, with neither player able to establish a decisive advantage. Djokovic eventually took the set in a tie-break before both players received medical attention.
De Minaur returned to the court and held serve in the opening game of the second set, but he was unable to continue. The Australian retired with Djokovic leading 7-6(3), 0-1, handing the Serbian another China Open title.
Djokovic's route to the final was also unusual. In his semi-final against Daniil Medvedev, he was leading 7-5, 5-3 and serving for the match when the Russian was defaulted.
Medvedev had hit a ball into the crowd after it rebounded from the back wall, with the ball striking a spectator. Officials disqualified him from the match, allowing Djokovic to advance without completing the contest. Medvedev said the incident was accidental and expressed regret over the injury.
Djokovic had already produced a notable performance earlier in the tournament by defeating top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-finals. That victory extended his remarkable winning record in Beijing and helped him move into the semi-finals.
The China Open victory also marked Djokovic's first title of the 2026 season. It was his seventh championship in Beijing and the 102nd ATP Tour-level title of his career, leaving him behind only Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer on the all-time men's singles list.
The triumph also extended Djokovic's remarkable record of winning at least one men's singles title in every season for 21 consecutive years. His unbeaten run in Beijing now stands at 34 matches.
Djokovic will now turn his attention to the Shanghai Masters, where he will look to build on his return to winning form following a difficult season affected by physical problems.