Novak Djokovic Wins First Title Of Year At China Open

LONDON, Oct 6 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Novak Djokovic capped a remarkable week with his first title for nearly a year at the China Open in Beijing, reported PA Media/dpa.

The 39-year-old profited from the retirement of final opponent Alex De Minaur after just one game of the second set to win a seventh title in the Chinese capital and maintain his record of never having lost at the tournament.

The 7-6 (7-3), 0-1 victory means Djokovic has won at least one title in each of the last 21 years, while he now has 102 tour-level trophies overall.

Both men reached the final without having to complete their matches on Monday – Djokovic thanks to the much-publicised disqualification of Daniil Medvedev, while De Minaur’s opponent Hubert Hurkacz pulled out because of injury.

Djokovic edged a very tight first set on a tie-break before the two men each took a medical timeout, but it came as a big surprise when De Minaur abruptly shook hands after winning the opening game of the second set.

The Australian, who returned to court with strapping on his left thigh, said in his on-court interview: “I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans who came to watch this match. I didn’t want to finish like this.”

When Djokovic lost in the opening round of the US Open amid ongoing physical struggles, the sporting obituaries were being prepared, but the Serbian has shown once again that writing him off would be premature.

Djokovic, who also defeated top seed Alexander Zverev during his run, said: “It’s been 11 years since I played here last. I always have high expectations for myself and always want to visualise myself with the trophy, but particularly here in Beijing, the place where I’ve never lost.

“I was also quite aware that reality’s a little bit different these days. This year has been quite challenging for me, lots of ups and downs and physical and health issues, so I was just trying to find a good feeling on the court.

“I know that when I’m feeling well and striking the ball well I can still compete at the highest level. This week has been evidence of that. I’m very proud. This trophy means much more than one trophy, one tournament.”

On the women’s side of the tournament, Karolina Muchova won a tight tussle with Naomi Osaka to reach the quarter-finals.

The Czech Wimbledon finalist saw eight match points come and go before converting her ninth opportunity to claim a 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (9-7) victory.

“So many match points, I didn’t know how many,” said Muchova. “I was shaking. I’m happy that I made the last volley and it was really so close.”

Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova fell 6-2, 6-2 to Ekaterina Alexandrova, but fourth seed Mirra Andreeva defeated Daria Snigur by the same scoreline.

-- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa