Novak Djokovic continued his love affair with Beijing, winning his 102nd tour-level title and his seventh China Open title as he maintained his 100% win record in the city. The Serbian won the opening set 7-6(3) before both players took a medical timeout. De Minaur left the court for treatment on his groin and, after returning, the Australian decided to retire after winning the opening game.
Djokovic returned to Beijing this year for the first time since 2015 and he was able to hit the ground running. The former World No.1 defeated Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinal before Daniil Medvedev was defaulted in the semifinal.
“It’s been 11 years since I last played here,” Djokovic explained during the trophy ceremony. “I always have high expectations of myself and always want to visualise myself with the trophy, 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.”
The Serbian was delighted with the way he played throughout the tournament.
“It’s a bit of a strange feeling, to be honest,” Djokovic told ATP Media. “I want to celebrate, because I’ve played one of the best weeks in the last couple of years. At the same time, he [De Minaur] retired at the beginning of the second, so it doesn’t feel right to jump around and be joyful. But deep inside, I’m very proud of this achievement.”
Djokovic has become the first man in the Open Era to win a tour-level trophy in 21 consecutive seasons.
