Djokovic claims seventh China Open title as de Minaur retires; Alcaraz defends Japan Open crown

Novak Djokovic claimed a record-extending seventh China Open title on Tuesday after Alex de Minaur retired with a groin injury in the Beijing final, while Carlos Alcaraz defended his Japan Open crown in Tokyo on a golden day for the Asian swing.

De Minaur took a medical timeout after losing the first set 7-6(3) and returned with a heavy bandage on his left thigh. He won the opening game of the second set but could not continue, with the match poised at 7-6(3), 0-1, handing Djokovic the title — the 102nd of his tour-level career, according to ATP live coverage.

Djokovic had reached the final in unusual circumstances on Monday, when Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from their semi-final for hitting a spectator with a ball. The Serbian’s run in Beijing extends one of the great venue records in the sport.

Hours earlier in Tokyo, defending champion Alcaraz defeated unseeded Czech Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4 to retain the Japan Open title, becoming the first man to go back-to-back in Tokyo since Pete Sampras in 1993-94.

The world No. 3 started shakily at the Ariake Coliseum, dropping serve in the opening game, but broke back to level at 3-3 and edged the first set via a sublime drop shot in the tiebreak. He then took control midway through the second, breaking for a 4-3 lead before sealing victory by forcing an error on match point.

It is Alcaraz’s third title of the year after the Australian Open and the Qatar Open, and his first since returning at the US Open in late August following a nearly five-month layoff with a wrist injury.

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

Sources: Reuters — Djokovic wins China Open, Reuters — Alcaraz retains Japan Open, CNA — Alcaraz finds best form, ATP live tracker via Flashscore