Djokovic wins record 7th China Open title, reaches 102 tour trophies
Synopsis
At 39, Djokovic is rewriting records most players never come close to. His seventh China Open title — his first return to Beijing since 2015 — brings him to 102 tour trophies, just one short of Federer's all-time mark. The 21-consecutive-seasons milestone makes this more than a win; it's a statement on the most enduring career in men's tennis.
Key Takeaways
Novak Djokovic claimed his 7th China Open title on 6 October 2026 in Beijing after Alex de Minaur retired with a groin injury.
The win is Djokovic's 102nd tour-level trophy , leaving him just one short of Roger Federer's all-time record of 103 .
Djokovic extended his perfect record at the China Open to 34-0 .
He became the first player in the Open Era to win a tour-level title in 21 consecutive seasons .
Djokovic's semifinal opponent Daniil Medvedev defaulted after hitting a ball that struck a spectator.
The result bolsters Djokovic's prospects of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin .
Novak Djokovic claimed a record-extending seventh China Open title and his 102nd tour-level trophy on 6 October 2026 in Beijing, after Australian opponent Alex de Minaur retired mid-match during the second set of their championship final. The Serbian legend, now 39 years old, extended a remarkable legacy at one of the ATP Tour's marquee Asian hardcourt events.
How the Final Unfolded
Djokovic took the opening set 7-6(3) in a tightly contested affair, after which both players took medical timeouts. De Minaur subsequently left the court for treatment on a groin injury. The Australian returned and won the opening game of the second set before being unable to continue, conceding the title to Djokovic by retirement.
Historic Milestones in Beijing
The victory moved Djokovic to within one title of former rival Roger Federer's all-time record of 103 tour-level crowns. Only Jimmy Connors, who holds 109 titles in the Open Era, has won more. Djokovic also became the first player in the Open Era to win a tour-level title across 21 consecutive seasons — a feat that underscores his extraordinary longevity at the elite level.
Notably, Djokovic improved his flawless record at the China Open to an astonishing 34-0, making Beijing arguably his most dominant hunting ground. It was his first appearance at the tournament since 2015, when he defeated Rafael Nadal in the final to secure his sixth title.
A Gruelling Path to the Final
Djokovic's route to the championship was far from straightforward. He opened his campaign with a win over Buyunchaokete before overcoming top seed Alexander Zverev in a closely fought quarterfinal. His semifinal against Daniil Medvedev ended in dramatic fashion — Medvedev defaulted after striking a ball into the crowd following a back-wall bounce, with the ball hitting a spectator. At the point of default, Djokovic was serving at 7-5, 5-3, 15/15.
The semifinal itself had been a battle of attrition. Djokovic recovered from a break down in the opening set and saved 16 of 18 break points he faced before approaching the finish line.
ATP Finals Picture and Season Outlook
Despite not winning a Grand Slam since his 2023 US Open triumph, Djokovic's Beijing run has significantly strengthened his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. The Serbian now has 102 tour-level titles and will look to build further momentum as the season enters its final stretch.
Point of View
With no Grand Slam since 2023, he is still manufacturing historic firsts: 21 consecutive seasons with a tour title is a record no one else is even chasing. The real narrative here is what happens with title No. 103 and whether Federer's all-time mark — once thought untouchable — falls before the curtain comes down. That chase is now the defining storyline of the ATP season's final stretch.
NationPress
6 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many China Open titles has Novak Djokovic won?
Djokovic has won a record seven China Open titles, the most by any player in the tournament's history. His latest triumph came on 6 October 2026 in Beijing after Alex de Minaur retired with a groin injury.
Why did Alex de Minaur retire in the China Open final?
De Minaur retired during the second set of the final due to a groin injury. He had taken a medical timeout after the first set and returned to win the opening game of the second set before being unable to continue.
How close is Djokovic to Roger Federer's all-time titles record?
Djokovic is now just one title behind Federer's Open Era record of 103 tour-level trophies, sitting at 102. Only Jimmy Connors, with 109 titles, has won more across the Open Era.
What is Djokovic's all-time record at the China Open?
Djokovic holds a perfect 34-0 record at the China Open, making it arguably his most dominant individual tournament. He had not played in Beijing since 2015 before this edition.
What historic record did Djokovic set at the 2026 China Open?
Djokovic became the first player in the Open Era to win a tour-level title in 21 consecutive seasons. The feat highlights a career longevity unmatched in the modern professional game.
