Novak Djokovic Claims China Open Title as Alex de Minaur Retires, While Carlos Alcaraz Defends Japan Open Crown

Novak Djokovic secured the China Open title after his opponent Alex de Minaur was forced to retire from the final due to injury. Meanwhile, Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz successfully retained his Japan Open crown, marking another milestone in his recovery following a lengthy wrist injury layoff.

The 39-year-old Serbian claimed the opening set in a tie-break 7-6 (7-3) and was leading by a game in the second set when the Australian player ended the match on Tuesday. With this victory, Novak Djokovic extended his remarkable unbeaten streak in Beijing and captured the 102nd title of his professional career.

Alex de Minaur required a medical timeout after dropping the first-set tie-break and returned to the court with heavy bandaging on his left thigh. However, he was unable to continue after winning the opening game of the second set, leaving the score at 7-6(3) 0-1.

“I don’t feel great … I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans,” Alex de Minaur stated during the trophy presentation. “I didn’t want to finish like this … hopefully see you next year,” the 27-year-old fifth seed added.

Carlos Alcaraz Retains Japan Open Crown

Carlos Alcaraz overcame another slow start to defeat unseeded Czech Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4) 6-4 in the Japan Open final on Tuesday. This ATP 500 tournament victory marks Carlos Alcaraz’s third title of the year, following successes at the Australian Open and Qatar Open, before the 23-year-old was sidelined by injury for nearly five months prior to his return at the US Open in late August.

“I’m really happy to be able to lift a trophy again,” Carlos Alcaraz said. “It’s been a while and obviously it’s extra special after my injury and my comeback, in the second tournament that I’m playing.”

Carlos Alcaraz made history as the first man to win back-to-back titles in Tokyo since American Pete Sampras achieved the feat in 1993 and 1994. Although the world number three faced a shaky start by dropping his serve in the opening game, he quickly regained momentum and increased his intensity to break world number 19 Jiri Lehecka with a powerful backhand, evening the score at 3-3.

Carlos Alcaraz Relies on Self-Belief

The seven-time Grand Slam champion seized control in the second set by breaking for a 4-3 lead, ultimately sealing the win when an opponent error concluded the match point, prompting wild celebrations with his team courtside. Carlos Alcaraz noted that the triumph helped alleviate the doubts he experienced during his time away from the sport.

“A lot of negative thoughts come to your mind,” Carlos Alcaraz explained, mentioning concerns about returning healthy, performing at his previous level, and hitting the ball pain-free. “I trusted myself and it worked out.”

Looking ahead, Carlos Alcaraz is set to compete at the Shanghai Masters, where his opening match will be against Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo or a qualifier as the main draw of the ATP 1000 event commences on Wednesday.