Djokovic backs into 7th Beijing title as injured de Minaur quits

Novak Djokovic retained his magic touch at the China Open, winning his seventh title without a loss as injured opponent Alex de Minaur was forced to quit with a groin strain in their final, handing over a 7-6 (3), 0-1 win. .

The unorthodox Tuesday wrapup was a result of the ATP crashing the calendar in order to shoehorn in Masters 1000 events which can last for up to 12 days instead of the normal seven,

The Beijing final preceeds the start of the Shanghai Masters start by just 24 hours. 

Djokovic and a full house crowd in the capital were taken by surprise as de Minaur played one game to start the second set after losing the first, then limped to the sidelines to shake hands as he could not go on.

Both men had taken medical timeouts after Djokovic won the opening set in 68 minutes. De minaur then returned with his left thigh heavily taped.

Trainers said later that the Australian had suffered a groin strain during the second set.

Djokovic, playing Beijing for the first time in 11 years, remains a perfect 34-0 at the venue, which he first won in 2009.

Throughout a week in which he beat top 10 opponents in his final three matches (Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and de Minaur) the 39-year-old Serb often looked in trouble, struggling for breath after long rallies but somehow scratching out victory after victory.

He now owns 102 career titles, standing one behind now-retired Roger Federer and the 109 of Jimmy Connors.

“I always have high expectations for myself, I visualise myself holding the trophy,” the 24-time Grand Slam winner said.

“This is a place where I’ve never lost. But I’m aware that the (physical) is different these days. This year has  been truly challenging for me.

“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, physical and health issues. I’ve struggled to find that good feeling on court.

“But when I’m feeling well I know I can still compete at the highest level.”

Djokovic thrilled local fans with a few phrases in Mandarin to cheers and excitement.

“This trophy means more than just one trophy and one tournament. I’m very, very happy about that.

“Beijing is a special place for me. I’m really sorry for the way Alex had to finish. I hope you can recover quickly.”

De Minaur was gutted by his forced exit after flying around the world since the US Open to Australia (Davis Cup) and then London for Laver Cup before heading to the Chinese capital.

“I don’t feel great, but congrats to Novak and his team. It was pretty amazing to watch the tennis he has produced this whole week.

“I want to say sorry to the amazing fans, I didn;t want it to finish like this.”

While his participation in Shanghai remains an open question – likely based on his current fitness – Djokovic will not play his opening match until Friday in the nation’s commercial capital.

Main photo:- Novak Djokovic with China Open trophy – by ATPTour.com