Serbian star extends remarkable winning streak as Australian ends final early due to thigh injury
Novak Djokovic added another milestone to his remarkable career on Tuesday, securing a record seventh China Open title after Alex de Minaur was forced to retire during the final because of a thigh injury.
The sixth-seeded Serbian prevailed in a closely contested opening set, winning the tiebreak 7-3. De Minaur then held his serve to begin the second set, but his physical condition prevented him from continuing. The Australian eventually ended the contest with Djokovic leading 7-6(3), 0-1.
De Minaur had already taken a medical timeout after the first set and returned to the court with his left thigh heavily strapped. Despite attempting to continue, the injury proved too serious for the 27-year-old fifth seed to complete the match.
The result gave Djokovic his seventh China Open championship and extended his remarkable record of winning at least one singles title in every year for 21 consecutive seasons. The victory also stretched his unbeaten run to 34 matches.
Djokovic’s path to the final had also been affected by unusual circumstances. Both China Open semi-finals failed to reach a conventional conclusion. Hubert Hurkacz withdrew because of an adductor problem, while Daniil Medvedev was disqualified during his encounter with Djokovic after accidentally striking a spectator with the ball.
The final itself initially produced an intense battle between the two players. Djokovic and De Minaur repeatedly targeted the baseline, with neither willing to give up easy ground. De Minaur created pressure and forced Djokovic to save a break point with a stretching backhand.
The Australian remained competitive throughout the set, but a series of errors during the tiebreak allowed Djokovic to gain the advantage.
Djokovic also required treatment during the changeover before De Minaur decided to retire. The Serbian admitted he was surprised by the Australian’s decision but expressed sympathy for his opponent and hoped he would recover quickly.
The victory was particularly significant for Djokovic after a difficult season that included several physical challenges. Despite those setbacks, the veteran showed that he remains capable of competing successfully at the highest level.