Novak Djokovic has claimed his first title in nearly a year, triumphing at the China Open in Beijing. The 39-year-old secured the win after his final opponent, Alex De Minaur, retired due to injury after one game of the second set.
Djokovic won the match with a score of 7-6 (3) 0-1, marking his seventh title in the Chinese capital and extending his undefeated record at the tournament. This victory brings his total tour-level trophies to 102 and means he has won at least one title in each of the last 21 years.
Both finalists had advanced without completing their semi-final matches; Djokovic benefited from Daniil Medvedev's disqualification, while De Minaur's opponent, Hubert Hurkacz, withdrew due to injury. De Minaur, who returned to court with strapping on his left thigh, expressed regret to the fans for not being able to finish the match.
In other tennis news, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jiri Lehecka in the Japan Open final, securing his first individual title since February. Alcaraz, playing in only his third tournament since a four-and-a-half-month absence due to a wrist injury, won 7-6 (4) 6-4.