Djokovic wins record seventh China Open, moves one ATP title behind Federer

Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Australia's Alex de Minaur. (Reuters Photo)

Novak Djokovic moved within one title of Roger Federer’s career tally after winning a record seventh China Open crown on Tuesday, taking his ATP singles title count to 102.The sixth-seeded Serbian was handed the trophy after Australia’s Alex de Minaur retired with a groin injury during the final.

Djokovic led 7-6(3), 0-1 when the fifth seed was forced to stop after playing on with his left thigh heavily bandaged.

Djokovic extends perfect Beijing record

The victory extended Djokovic’s unbeaten record at the China Open to 34-0 and secured his seventh title at the tournament. It also marked the 39-year-old’s 21st consecutive year with at least one singles title, underlining the extraordinary longevity of his career.Djokovic now has 102 ATP titles, just one behind Federer’s 103 and seven behind Jimmy Connors’ Open Era record of 109.De Minaur had pushed Djokovic hard in the opening set, using aggressive groundstrokes and saving two break points. The Australian produced 11 winners to Djokovic’s three but was undone by unforced errors in the tiebreak, which the Serbian won 7-3.

Both players required medical attention after the opening set, but it was De Minaur who could not continue.“I don't feel great ... I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans,” De Minaur said during the trophy presentation.

“I didn't want to finish like this... hopefully see you next year,” added the 27-year-old.

Third straight top-10 win in Beijing

Djokovic’s run to the title included three consecutive victories over top-10 opponents. He defeated US Open champion Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals before advancing past Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals after the Russian was disqualified for hitting a spectator with a ball.De Minaur had reached the final after Hubert Hurkacz retired injured during their semifinal, but was chasing his first China Open title and a second trophy of the season following his Rotterdam triumph in February.For Djokovic, the Beijing triumph provides another landmark in a career that continues to add to its record book. His only other final appearance this year ended in defeat against Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open.