Novak Djokovic was crowned the China Open winner for the seventh time in his career after Alex De Minaur retired injured in the second set of Tuesday's final. 

Djokovic led De Minaur 7-6 (7-3) 0-1 before the Australian was forced to withdraw with an injury to his thigh, allowing the sixth seed to claim his 102nd ATP Tour-level title. 

Of the 102 career finals Djokovic has now won at ATP-level events, this was his first via retirement, while the victory extended his unbeaten run in Beijing to 34 matches. 

Both players missed break opportunities in the early parts of the match, with a tie-break deciding who would take the early advantage. 

Djokovic won four of the first five points, and that advantage proved to be too much for De Minaur, with both players needing a medical timeout before the second set. 

The fifth seed won the first game of the second with a forehand, but immediately shook his head and walked over to Djokovic, shaking his hand and going back to his seat. 

"It's been 11 years since I last played here, and I always have high expectations of myself and always want to visualise myself with the trophy," Djokovic said.

"Particularly here in Beijing, a place where I have never lost. But I was also aware that reality is a little bit different these days.

"This year has been quite challenging for me. Lots of physical and health issues. I was just trying to find a good feeling on the court.

"I know that if I'm feeling well and striking the ball well, I can compete at the highest level. This week has been evidence of that."

Undefeated! Novak Djokovic expands his reign in Beijing https://t.co/noRl1P6JuA

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 6, 2026

Djokovic closing in on Connors and Federer

Though it may not have been the way he envisioned winning the China Open, Djokovic claimed yet another tour-level title, becoming the first man in the Open Era to do so in 21 consecutive seasons. 

It was only Djokovic's second final of 2026, having lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open showpiece back in January, but he proved throughout his run to the championship match in Beijing that he can still mix it with the best in the world. 

The 39-year-old's 102nd career title at ATP level only trails Jimmy Connors (109) and old rival Roger Federer (103). 

His seven China Open titles, meanwhile, are at least four more than any other player in the tournament's history (Michael Chang – three).