Alex de Minaur retired from the Beijing final against Novak Djokovic because of a groin injury, ending his bid for a maiden title after just one game of the second set.
The Australian had pushed Djokovic through a fiercely contested opening set, which the Serbian won 7-6 (7-3), before both players took medical timeouts. De Minaur returned with strapping high on his left leg and a noticeably reduced service speed.
He held serve after rolling in his delivery and hitting a forehand winner, but immediately shook his head before crossing the net to concede the match at 7-6 (7-3), 0-1.
It was a painful conclusion to an encouraging week for the world No.9, who had revived his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. He had reached the semi-finals with three-set victories over Quentin Halys and Andrey Rublev.
De Minaur’s semi-final against Hubert Hurkacz also ended prematurely, with Hurkacz retiring while trailing by a set and 3-2 because of an adductor problem.
The Australian apologised to the Beijing crowd during the presentation ceremony.
“I don’t feel great,” de Minaur said. “Look, first of all, congratulations to you [Djokovic], your team. It was pretty amazing, as a fan of the sport, to watch the tennis you produced this whole week, so I’m wishing you nothing but the best, so well done.”
He added: “As for me, I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans who came to watch this match. I didn’t want to finish like this, so I’m really sorry … it’s been a great week, and I’m sure there’s plenty more to come.”
The injury’s severity was unclear. De Minaur previously suffered a serious proximal adductor avulsion during his fourth-round win over Arthur Fils at Wimbledon in 2024, forcing him to withdraw before his quarter-final against Djokovic.
Djokovic wins seventh Beijing title
Djokovic extended his unbeaten Beijing record to 34 matches and claimed his seventh title in the Chinese capital. The 39-year-old had defeated Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev on his way to the final.
His victory was followed by a subdued celebration, given the circumstances of de Minaur’s retirement.
“I don’t think it happened ever in my career that I have semis and finals without finishing the match,” Djokovic said.
“I want to celebrate because I think I’ve played one of the best weeks in the last couple of years. At the same time, he [de Minaur] retired the match at the beginning of the second, so it doesn’t feel right and respectful to jump around, and be joyful.”
Djokovic said the tournament had restored his confidence after a difficult year. “This week has proven me wrong once again and given me a great confidence boost for the rest of the season,” he said.
De Minaur’s prospects of reaching Turin were helped by world No.1 Jannik Sinner’s decision not to play again this year while he undergoes treatment for a knee injury. However, the Australian remained behind Medvedev and Djokovic in the race after the Beijing tournament.
