Novak Djokovic achieves feat no man has managed since 1977 with China Open triumph

Novak Djokovic became the first male tennis player to achieve a rare feat in 49 years with his China Open triumph.

Djokovic claimed the 102nd title of his illustrious career in Beijing after his opponent, Alex de Minaur, was forced to retire through injury in the China Open final.

The Serbian, 39, led De Minaur 7-6 (7-3), 0-1 when the 27-year-old was forced to retire due to an apparent left thigh issue. Both players had earlier taken a medical time-out after a gruelling 68-minute first set.

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Novak Djokovic achieves rare feat with China Open triumph

Djokovic’s triumph means only Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer have won more singles titles in their professional careers, with 109 and 103, respectively.

And that’s not all: Djokovic, who has now won the China Open seven times and is on a 34-match winning streak at the tournament, will return to the ATP top 10 after previously dropping down the rankings following the US Open.

The veteran also became the oldest man to win an ATP Tour-level title since Ken Rosewall did so in Hong Kong in 1977, aged 43.

Novak Djokovic reacts to China Open victory

Speaking after his triumph, Djokovic admitted that 2026 had been challenging, having previously reached just one final, at the Australian Open at the start of the year.

“It’s been 11 years since I last played here,” Djokovic told ATP media.

“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.”

“It’s a bit of a strange feeling, to be honest,” he added. “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.”

De Minaur also spoke after the final, taking the time to apologise to fans for failing to complete the match.

"I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans who came to watch this match," De Minaur said. "I didn't want to finish like this, so I'm really sorry. To my team - those who are here and also back home - thank you. It's been a great week and I'm sure there's plenty more to come."

Elsewhere, world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz won his first tournament since recovering from a persistent wrist injury, with the Spaniard beating Jiri Lehecka 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 to defend his crown at the Japan Open.

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