Djokovic has claimed his 102nd career title, and he did it the hard way. After the 39-year-old led Alex de Minaur 7-6 (7-3) 0-1 in the China Open final, the Australian retired with an apparent left thigh problem, handing Djokovic the trophy.
The Serb has now claimed at least one singles title for the 21 consecutive season. Across his career, only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) hold a greater number of singles titles than he does.
Final Over
The Australian competitor is more than 12 years Djokovic’s junior. He had been pushing forward with an aggressive style throughout the match, yet a thigh injury brought his effort to an end before the second set could properly get underway.
This was Djokovic’s second final of the season, and he had already tasted defeat in a major final earlier in the year. The Australian Open showpiece in January went against him, with Carlos Alcaraz emerging victorious.
Road to the Final
Djokovic reached the Beijing final after defeating world number two Alexander Zverev. He led third seed Daniil Medvedev by a set and a break in their semi-final before the Russian was defaulted.
Djokovic made it to the final by default, yet he still had to face de Minaur in a match that ended up lasting just long enough for the retirement call to be made.
Winning Streak
The Serbia native holds the China Open title in Beijing, having taken home the trophy seven times. His current run of victories at the event stands at 34 matches.
There is no end in sight for the run. Djokovic has made reaching the final appear routine, though the matches themselves often prove anything but.
Alcaraz’s Day
Earlier in the day, Alcaraz secured the Japan Open, taking home a trophy in his third tournament since damaging his wrist in April. The Spaniard trailed early but fought back to defeat Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-7 (4-7) 4-6, defending his title in Tokyo.
The Spaniard did not return to competitive play until August’s US Open, where he made it as far as the quarter-finals before falling in five sets to Ben Shelton.
The tournament belongs to Alcaraz’s third title of the season. He won the Australian Open in January to complete the career Grand Slam, and also February’, who has made it his own at the Qatar Open.
What Alcaraz Said
“It’s extra special after my injury,” the 25-year-old said.
“It was a tough week that I didn’t find my best tennis, my best level, but I did find the good solutions.”
“I think that’s what matters in the end.”
A victory in Tokyo shows a player’s return to form after missing months of play due to a wrist injury. Alcaraz has proven he can still compete with the game’s elite even when he is not performing at his peak.
Comparing the Records
Here is how Djokovic’s title tally compares to the greats:
- Only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) have won more singles titles than Djokovic
- Djokovic’s 102nd title comes against a finalist 12 years his junior
- Djokovic is on a 34-match winning streak at the China Open
- Alcaraz has three titles this season, including defending his title in Tokyo
The Career Mark
Djokovic’s 102nd title is a remarkable achievement. He has done it across 21 years of winning at least one title per season.
The true narrative here is his consistency. Djokovic has made winning titles appear routine, despite a packed calendar and mounting injuries.
The Trophy Stands
While the exit from the tournament did not go according to plan, the outcome remains unchanged. Djokovic has claimed another championship title, and his record continues to expand.
Source material: “Djokovic wins China Open to claim 102nd career title,” the BBC.
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