Novak Djokovic wins the China Open, doing something no man has done since 1977.
Novak Djokovic made history by becoming the first male tennis player in 49 years to achieve a special milestone with his win at the China Open.
In Beijing, Djokovic won the 102nd title of his amazing career after his opponent, Alex de Minaur, had to stop playing because of an injury during the final.
The 39-year-old Serbian was leading 7-6 (7-3), 0-1 when 27-year-old De Minaur retired due to a left thigh problem. Both players had taken medical breaks earlier after a tough 68-minute first set.
Djokovic’s win puts him just behind Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, who have 109 and 103 singles titles, respectively. Plus, this was Djokovic’s seventh China Open win, and he now has a 34-match winning streak at this event. This victory also brings him back into the ATP top 10 after falling in the rankings after the US Open.
He also became the oldest man to win an ATP Tour title since Ken Rosewall did it in 1977 at age 43.
After his win, Djokovic shared that 2026 has been a tough year for him, with only one final before this one, at the Australian Open.
“It’s been 11 years since I last played here,” Djokovic told ATP media. “I always have high hopes for myself, especially here in Beijing, a place where I have never lost. But I also knew things are a bit different now.
“This year has been hard with physical and health problems. I was just trying to feel good on the court. When I feel good and hit well, I know I can play at the top level. This week showed that.”
He added, “It’s a strange feeling because I want to celebrate after one of my best weeks in years. But since Alex retired early in the second set, it doesn’t feel right to be too joyful. Still, I’m very proud.”
De Minaur also spoke after the match, apologizing to fans for not being able to finish.
“I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans who came to watch,” he said. “I didn’t want it to end like this, so I’m very sorry. Thanks to my team here and at home—it’s been a great week, and I’m sure more good things are coming.”
In other news, world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz won his first tournament since recovering from a wrist injury by beating Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 to defend his Japan Open title.