In the latest episode of survival of the fittest – also known as 2026 in men’s tennis – Jannik Sinner called an end to his season due to a knee issue, Carlos Alcaraz won the first silverware since his own long-term injury, Alex de Minaur retired hurt, and 39-year-old Novak Djokovic kept on rolling with the 102nd title of his career.
To Djokovic first, who became the oldest man to win a tour-level title since Ken Rosewall in 1977. He is now one trophy away from joining Roger Federer in second place on the all-time titles list, with Jimmy Connors out in front on 109.
Victory in the China Open came in strange circumstances, via the default of Daniil Medvedev in the semis and the withdrawal of De Minaur in the final, trailing by 7-6, 1-0. But Djokovic has played some of his best tennis for years this week and extends his remarkable unbeaten run in Beijing to 34 matches.
‘I always have high expectations and want to visualise myself with the trophy, but particularly here in Beijing, the place where I’ve never lost,’ Djokovic said.
‘This trophy means much more than one trophy, one tournament.’
Alcaraz echoed those sentiments, saying: ‘It’s extra special after my injury’ following his 7-6, 6-4 win over Jiri Lehecka in the Tokyo final. After five months out with a wrist injury, the most talented player in the world is back in business.
Novak Djokovic won the 102nd title of his career at the China Open and is now one away from matching Roger Federer
His great rival, however, is still licking the wounds of a protracted right knee injury. Sinner has not played since winning Wimbledon and yesterday said he ‘needed to think about my long-term career’ when announcing the decision to end his season early.
‘Me together with the doctors have decided that I need a course of treatment for my knee,’ the world No1 continued. ‘I will do everything possible to get back 100 per cent.’
