Key Takeaways
- Alex de Minaur retired from the China Open final against Novak Djokovic after experiencing an adductor issue during a tight 7-6(3) opening set.
- The Australian player plans to undergo medical examinations in Shanghai before making decisions on his upcoming tournament schedule.
- De Minaur confirmed that the discomfort arose during the match rather than prior to it, saying “I’ve got to get some more scans.”
Adductor issue cuts short China Open final
Alex de Minaur saw his strong run at the China Open come to an abrupt conclusion on Sunday when physical discomfort forced him to stop during the title match against Novak Djokovic. The world No. 9 competed sharply through an intense 67-minute first set, pushing the 24-time Grand Slam champion before Djokovic edged the tie-break 7-6(3).
Following that opening set, the 27-year-old Australian took an off-court medical break and returned with heavy bandaging on his left leg. However, after contesting only one game of the second set, De Minaur determined he could no longer move effectively and retired with Djokovic leading 7-6(3), 0-1.
Medical evaluation planned ahead of Shanghai Masters
Addressing the setback afterward, De Minaur explained that the sharp sensation surfaced mid-match rather than before taking the court. “I’ve got to get some more scans,” De Minaur stated as he prepared to travel to Shanghai for medical testing, noting that he felt trouble developing late in the first set before it intensified.
The retirement handed Djokovic his 7th China Open championship, pushing the 39-year-old Serbian’s undefeated record at the tournament to 34-0 and securing the 102nd title of his career. Despite the painful ending to a seven-match winning streak that included victories over Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev, De Minaur expressed respect for Djokovic during the ceremony while awaiting clarity on his availability for upcoming events on the ATP Tour calendar.
ATP Shanghai - Alex De Minaur's projected path
Alex De Minaur in 2026
Currently ranked no.9, Alex played his last match on the 6th of October when he had to retire when playing against world no.11 Novak Djokovic in the final and the scoreline was 7-6(3) 0-1 .
During this season De Minaur has managed to achieve a compiled 40-19 match record. The Australian clinched 1 title in Rotterdam.
