Photo via Yahoo Sports

Novak Djokovic's China Open Title Keeps His ATP Finals Hopes Alive

Novak Djokovic’s victory at the China Open last week marked his first ATP title of 2026, ending a lengthy drought that stretched back to November. The Serbian defeated Alex de Minaur in the final after de Minaur retired with a groin injury while trailing 7-6(3), 0-1, securing Djokovic’s seventh Beijing title and his 102nd career ATP win—just one behind Roger Federer’s record.

The triumph also extended his unbeaten streak at the tournament to 34-0 and propelled him back into the top 10 of the rankings, climbing from No. 11 to No.

8 after a months-long absence. However, his momentum stalled at the Shanghai Masters, where he suffered an opening-round loss to Hubert Hurkacz, dropping him back to No.

10 in the Race to Turin standings and complicating his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals. Djokovic’s ranking surge had briefly placed him in the final qualifying spot, but de Minaur’s strong run in Shanghai and Rafael Jodar’s progress now threaten his position, with Sinner’s withdrawal adding further uncertainty.

The win in Beijing came after Djokovic overcame top seed Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals and advanced to the final when Daniil Medvedev defaulted in their semifinal match, underscoring the tournament’s volatility.

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