Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Australia’s Alex de Minaur. (Reuters Photo)
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. The Australian produced 11 winners to Djokovic’s three but was undone by unforced errors in the tiebreak, which the Serbian won 7-3. Djokovic’s run to the title included three consecutive victories over top-10 opponents.
I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans,” De Minaur said during the trophy presentation. De Minaur had pushed Djokovic hard in the opening set, using aggressive groundstrokes and saving two break points. “I don’t feel great … 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.