Novak Djokovic claimed a seventh China Open title in Beijing on Tuesday after Alex de Minaur retired with a groin injury in the final.
The Serbian took the first set 7-6(3), then led 0-1 in the second when the Australian could not continue, handing Djokovic the trophy without a full match.
The win is Djokovic’s 102nd tour-level title. That puts him one short of Roger Federer’s 103 and seven behind Jimmy Connors’ Open Era record of 109. It is also a record-extending seventh China Open crown, and it stretches his unbeaten run at the ATP 500 event to 34-0.
How the Beijing final ended
Alex De Minaur had shown clear intent in the first set. He used his court coverage and willingness to step in, trying to push Djokovic out of his usual patterns. The Serbian still found the big shot when it mattered. Facing break point at 2-2, 30-40, he dug out a backhand passing winner that drew a roar from the 15,000 fans inside the stadium. He then closed the tie-break 7-6(3).
Both players called for the physio after the set. Djokovic was treated first. De Minaur left the court for attention on his groin, came back, and won the opening game of the second set before he could not continue.
“I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans who came to watch this match,” De Minaur said. “I didn’t want to finish like this, so I’m really sorry. To my team, those who are here and also back home, thank you. It’s been a great week and I’m sure there’s plenty more to come.”