Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz Triumph in Beijing and Tokyo
Locker Room
October 6, 2026
Novak Djokovic has now won a title in every tennis season for the last 21 years!
It makes him one of the greatest sportsmen of all time. And he will try for a 25th Grand Slam title in Australia in a few short months.
Novak Djokovic might just decide he wants one last shot at Wimbledon next year too. And how we would all love to see him go deep at Wimbledon 2027!
The last time Novak celebrated in Beijing was after his extraordinary win over Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals a few days ago.
Then Daniil Medvedev was disqualified just before Novak won their semi-final. And Alex de Minaur suddenly retired with a suspected groin strain while Djokovic led by a set in the final itself.
‘It’s so strange not to finish the matches but I’m so, so proud of what I’ve achieved. The performances. The way I found a way to win in all of the matches,’ said Novak.
A forlorn Alex de Minaur explained: ‘I didn’t feel great. Congrats to Novak and his team. It’s pretty amazing to watch the tennis you’ve produced all week. I want to say sorry to all the amazing fans who came to watch this match. I didn’t want to finish like this.’
The Serb has now won 34 successive matches in Beijing – and seven titles. And this brings his career title total to 102 – just one behind Roger Federer.
After victory, Djokovic even told the crowd he loved them in Chinese! Then he said: ‘It’s been eleven years since I played here last.
‘I always have high expectations of myself, particularly here, where I’ve never lost. But this year has been quite challenging for me. Ups and downs and physical issues.
‘I know that when I’m feeling well and striking the ball well, I can still compete at the highest level. And this week has been evidence of that.
‘I’m very, very happy to hold this trophy. I can’t thank the crowd here enough for all their support and passion.’
Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur could both be back in the mix for Wimbledon 2027 when the glorious British summer comes round again.
The champion had a message for his opponent. ‘Alex, I’m sorry for the way it finished, I wish you a quick recovery, you’re a very exciting player and I wish you all the best in the years to come.’
The first-set tie-break proved to be the key in Beijing. Novak simply played the big points best because he relaxed better in the most stressful moments. You felt he was going to win anyway after taking that condensed shoot out 7-3.
It was a similar breaker story for Carlos Alcaraz over in Tokyo. A killer drop shot during the first-set tie-break against Jiri Lehecka was one of many highlights in the Spaniard’s 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 victory.
The underdog led earlier in the match. But as soon as a rusty Carlitos hit his stride, he found gears that his rival simply didn’t have.
After securing his first title since February, Alcaraz said: ‘It was a tough week and I didn’t find my best tennis. But I did find good solutions.’
Ironically arch-rival Jannik Sinner stole some of the limelight by calling it quits for the rest of the year. That means Zverev will become world number one in the nest two months.
Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev should all be ready for gladiatorial action at Wimbledon 2027.
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