Djokovic seeks seventh Beijing title as de Minaur aims for first trophy in the city
Category: Sports
Novak Djokovic is one match away from claiming his seventh China Open title, set to face Alex de Minaur in the final on October 6, 2026, at the National Tennis Center in Beijing. The Serbian tennis star, currently ranked No. 11 in the world, has maintained an impressive record of 33-0 at this tournament, having defeated top-seeded Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev to reach the final.
The stakes are high for both players. Djokovic, a six-time champion at this event, is looking for his 102nd ATP title, whereas de Minaur, ranked No. 9, is eager to secure his first title in Beijing after a successful season that includes a victory in Rotterdam earlier this year.
In the semi-finals, Djokovic showcased his resilience by overcoming Medvedev after a challenging match that lasted 79 minutes, where he led 5-3 in the second set when Medvedev was defaulted for hitting a ball into the stands. This victory marked Djokovic's return to an ATP final for the first time since the Australian Open at the start of the year.
De Minaur, on the other hand, reached the final after defeating Quentin Halys and Andrey Rublev, and capitalizing on Hubert Hurkacz's retirement in the semi-finals. The Australian's speed and defensive skills have made him a formidable opponent, pushing his rivals into long rallies that test their stamina.
"The match against Alex will require a lot of running. Like against Daniil, I expect another physical battle in which I probably will not get many free points. That’s why I will focus on recovery and showing up on the court as fresh as possible for the final," Djokovic said, acknowledging the physical demands of the upcoming match.
As the final approaches, Djokovic's preparation will be key. At 39, he is the oldest singles finalist at the ATP 500 level since the category was introduced in 2009. His experience will play a role in managing the physicality of the match, especially against a player like de Minaur, who thrives on extending points.
The China Open has long been a favorite venue for Djokovic, who has dominated the tournament since its inception. His perfect record of 33-0 speaks to his ability to adapt and excel on the hard courts of Beijing. This year, he has faced stiff competition, with matches against Zverev and Medvedev testing his limits.
De Minaur, meanwhile, is also building a reputation on the ATP Tour. His previous title in Rotterdam and consistent performances demonstrate his rising status in men's tennis. The final in Beijing marks a milestone for him, being his first title match in this prestigious tournament.
Both players have shown impressive form leading into the final. Djokovic has demonstrated his ability to win under pressure, saving 84.38% of break points faced during the tournament. De Minaur has also been effective, saving 75% of his break points and creating numerous opportunities against his opponents.
The final is set to begin at 7 a.m. ET on October 6, 2026, promising to be a thrilling encounter. With both players having won all their tiebreaks this week, tight moments will likely define the outcome. Djokovic's superior experience and historical success at the China Open position him as the favorite, but de Minaur's recent form and speed present a genuine challenge.
As Djokovic aims to extend his unbeaten streak in Beijing, de Minaur hopes to make history by handing the Serbian his first defeat at this tournament. The match will impact their individual rankings and carry implications for the upcoming Nitto ATP Finals, where both players are vying for valuable points.
With the trophy on the line, the final is set to be a physically demanding contest, where both players will need to rely on their skills and mental fortitude. Djokovic's strategy will likely involve taking control of the rallies, whereas de Minaur will aim to utilize his speed and defensive capabilities to disrupt Djokovic's rhythm.
As the crowd gathers at the National Tennis Center, anticipation builds for what will likely be a captivating final. Both players have proven their mettle throughout the tournament, and fans can expect a match filled with intensity and high-level tennis.
The stage is set for a showdown that will determine the champion of the China Open and showcase the future of men's tennis as two of its brightest stars collide.