Accidental 102nd title for Djokovic, champion in Beijing

The Serbian Novak Djokovic He lifted a trophy again, the 102nd of his career, first since November. That’s 21 consecutive years winning at least one ATP Tour title. Another record in his career, in addition to taking baby steps towards 103 Roger Federer and the 109 of Jimmy Connors.

The closing was eventful. The Russian Daniil Medvedev He did not finish the semifinals when he was disqualified for an uncontrolled hit with the game stopped that hit a spectator’s eye. Neither does the Australian Alex de Miñuar the final concluded.

At 7-6 (3), 1-0, after an excellent tiebreak of more than an hour, the Australian tried a couple of serves, deciding to retire due to an injury to his left thigh. Novak Djokovic39 years old and returning to the world top-10 after being eleventh, was also treated in the abdominal area, like other days, but the rival’s injury was worse.

Beijing is home to Djokovic, who won his seventh consecutive title. After victories in 2005, 2010 and from 2012 to 2015, he returned to the tournament to dominate it again. He has dominated all 34 matches played. Fairer physically than before, but capable of developing high-quality tennis, which allowed him to beat the German in the quarterfinals. Alexander Zverev.

With this success, his chances of returning to the ATP Finals grow. He assured that he would go to Turinafter several resignations, if he achieved one of the eight places for the final Masters. With the 500 points added in Beijing, he places himself ninth, surpassing a Alex de Minaur very worried about the illness.

Starting Friday, the main figures will compete in the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000. Djokovic is in the box, although he must measure if his body is up to a new effort. Carlos Alcarazchampion in Tokyo, goes for the other part of the draw, which will open next Saturday.

Djokovic, who this season had lost his other final, in the Australian Open against Alcaraz, consolidates his position as king of the hard court. There are 73 titles on this surface, two more than the retired one Roger Federer.