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Novak Djokovic: ‘I have questioned whether I want to keep on playing’

Novak Djokovic secured his 102nd ATP title and seventh Beijing crown by defeating Alex de Minaur in the China Open final, though the match ended abruptly when de Minaur retired at 0-1 in the second set after Djokovic converted a match point. The victory marked Djokovic’s first title of 2026, following a mixed season that included a near-win at the Australian Open final but early exits at the Italian Open, French Open, Cincinnati Open, and US Open.

Djokovic, who remains undefeated in Beijing with 34 wins across seven titles (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and now 2026), reflected on the emotional weight of the win, acknowledging he has repeatedly questioned whether to continue playing amid the physical and mental demands of elite tennis. Despite the unusual circumstances of the retirement, he praised the week’s performances, calling it a rare high point in a challenging year.

His next opportunity to add to his Beijing legacy comes at the upcoming Shanghai Masters, where he’ll face Hubert Hurkacz or James Duckworth in the second round as the favorite.

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