Final cut short by injury

Novak Djokovic captured the 2026 China Open title on Tuesday after Alex de Minaur retired with a groin injury early in the second set. The 39-year-old Serbian took the opening set 7-6(3) in a tiebreak at the Olympic Green Tennis Center in Beijing. De Minaur took a medical timeout between sets, returning to the court with heavy bandaging on his left thigh. After winning the first game of the second set, the 27-year-old Australian was unable to continue and stopped the match with the score at 7-6(3), 0-1.

At the trophy presentation, de Minaur addressed the crowd about his physical setback.

I don't feel great... I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans. I didn't want to finish like this... hopefully see you next year.

Path through the Beijing draw

Djokovic entered the ATP 500 tournament as the sixth seed and world number 11, facing three consecutive top-ten opponents on his way to the championship. In the quarter-finals, he defeated world number two Alexander Zverev across three sets, breaking the German in the final game of a second set in which Zverev landed 96% of his first serves. The semi-final ended abruptly when world number five Daniil Medvedev was disqualified for striking a spectator in the front row in the face with a ball following an unfavorable line call.

The outcome meant Djokovic progressed through both the semi-final and final without playing a match point in either contest.

Unbeaten record and milestones

The victory earned Djokovic his seventh China Open crown and preserved his undefeated record in Beijing, bringing his career tournament mark to 34 wins and zero losses. The Serbian had not competed at the Beijing event since 2015, an 11-year gap. The title is his 102nd career ATP singles trophy, placing him one tournament victory behind Roger Federer (103) and seven behind all-time leader Jimmy Connors (109). It also marks the 21st consecutive season in which Djokovic has won at least one tour-level singles title.

During the post-match press conference, Djokovic reflected on his return to China and his recent form.

This triumph came at the best moment. It boosted my confidence and serves as proof that I can still compete at the highest level.

Physical toll across the tour

The Beijing final capped a tournament marked by physical strain across the men's field, with all three concluding matches in Beijing ending without completed match points. In the opposite half of the draw, Hubert Hurkacz also retired due to injury during his semi-final against de Minaur. The attrition coincided with news that world number one Jannik Sinner ended his 2026 season prematurely to undergo medical treatment on a persistent knee problem. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz returned from a five-month wrist injury layoff to win the Japan Open in Tokyo on Tuesday, defeating Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4 for his 27th career title.