Novak Djokovic claimed a record-extending seventh China Open title and his 102nd tour-level trophy after Alex de Minaur retired during their final in Beijing on Tuesday. Djokovic won the opening set 7-6(3), but both players required medical timeouts.
De Minaur left the court for treatment for a groin issue before returning to start the second set. After winning the opening game, the Australian was unable to continue and retired.
The victory moved Djokovic within one title of Roger Federer’s 103 tour-level trophies, while only Jimmy Connors, with 109, has more in the Open Era. The 39-year-old also extended his perfect record in Beijing to 34-0.
The Serbian’s run to the title included victories over Buyunchaokete and Alexander Zverev, while he advanced to the final after Daniil Medvedev defaulted in their semifinal.
The China Open triumph also made Djokovic the first player in the Open Era to win a tour-level title in 21 consecutive seasons.