
Novak Djokovic secured victory at the China Open after Alex de Minaur retired during the final due to injury. Djokovic, 39, took the first set in a tie-break, winning 7-6 (7-3), and was leading 1-0 in the second set when De Minaur, heavily bandaged on his left thigh, stopped the match. De Minaur had called for a medical timeout after the first set but could only play one game in the second before retiring. During the trophy presentation, he expressed regret, stating, "I didn't want to finish like this … hopefully see you next year." This victory marked Djokovic's 102nd career title and extended his unbeaten streak in Beijing.
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In the Japan Open final, Carlos Alcaraz defended his title by defeating unseeded Czech player Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4. This victory is Alcaraz's third title of the year, adding to wins at the Australian Open and Qatar Open prior to a nearly five-month injury layoff. Alcaraz remarked on his triumph, saying, "It’s been a while and obviously it’s extra special after my injury and my comeback." He noted that even though he faced difficulties throughout the tournament, he found effective solutions to secure the win.
Alcaraz's performance included a shaky start, where he dropped serve in the first game but quickly regained his composure. He became the first man since Pete Sampras in 1994 to win back-to-back titles in Tokyo. The world number three took charge in the second set, ultimately winning by forcing an error on match point, leading to a joyful celebration with his team.
Reflecting on his recovery from injury, Alcaraz shared, "A lot of negative thoughts come to your mind … I trusted myself and it worked out." He is set to compete next at the Shanghai Masters, where he will face Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo or a qualifier.