Novak Djokovic has won the China Open for a seventh time, extending one of the most remarkable unbeaten records in modern tennis.
The Serbian star claimed the title after Australia’s Alex de Minaur retired with a groin injury during the final in Beijing.
Djokovic had won the first set in a tiebreak and was leading 7 to 6, 0 to 1 when De Minaur decided he could not continue.
Reuters reports that the victory extended Djokovic’s China Open record to 34 consecutive wins.
It also means the 39 year old has now won at least one singles title in 21 consecutive seasons.
The final completed an unusual tournament in which injuries and dramatic incidents repeatedly influenced matches.
De Minaur apologized to spectators after being unable to finish the contest, while Djokovic wished his opponent a quick recovery.
Despite physical problems during the season, Djokovic again demonstrated that he remains capable of competing for major titles.
His latest Beijing trophy provides another reminder that his extraordinary career is not over yet.
