The match, which saw both players require medical attention following the opening set, ended with the scoreline at 7-6 (3), 0-1 in favor of the 39-year-old Serbian. The victory marks a significant return to the tournament for Djokovic, who had not competed in the Chinese capital since his previous title win in 2015.
A Milestone Victory in Beijing
Reflecting on his success, Djokovic acknowledged the unique nature of his relationship with the Beijing event. While he admitted that his current reality on the tour is different from his peak years, he noted that he always visualizes himself lifting the trophy at this specific venue. This triumph represents his 102nd
The path to the final was far from straightforward, as Djokovic navigated a challenging draw that required him to defeat three top-10 players—a feat he had not achieved in three years. His journey included a quarterfinal victory over US Open champion Alexander Zverev and a semifinal win against Daniil Medvedev, who was disqualified during their match after striking a spectator with a ball.
De Minaur’s Disappointment
For Alex de Minaur, the final was a frustrating conclusion to a week that had already seen him benefit from an opponent's withdrawal, as Hubert Hurkacz had retired during their semifinal clash. Despite the physical setback, the world No. 9 displayed aggressive form in the opening set, recording 11 winners compared to just three from Djokovic. However, unforced errors proved costly during the tiebreak, allowing Djokovic to seize the advantage before the injury ultimately forced the Australian to withdraw.
Addressing the crowd following the match, De Minaur expressed his regret over the premature finish, apologizing to the fans who had gathered for the final. For Djokovic, the win serves as a testament to his ability to compete at the highest level despite a season he described as challenging due to various health and physical issues. Having reached the final of the Australian Open earlier this year, where he fell to Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic’s performance in Beijing provides a positive indicator of his current form.
