Arabic version: إصابة دي مينور تمنح ديوكوفيتش لقب بطولة الصين المفتوحة

According to ABC News, Alex de Minaur retired injured during the China Open final in Beijing, handing Novak Djokovic the title after a demanding opening set in which both players required medical treatment.

Djokovic won the first set 7-6 (7-3) in a 67-minute tie-break before calling for the trainer for further treatment related to his ongoing physical struggles. De Minaur then took an off-court medical timeout for what appeared to be a groin injury. The Australian number one returned with his left thigh heavily strapped and held serve in the first game of the second set.

But the 27-year-old fifth seed then went to the net to shake hands with Djokovic, saying he could not continue. Djokovic was awarded a 7-6 (7-3) 0-1 victory, securing the 102nd title of his career. De Minaur apologised to the fans at the trophy presentation and said he had not wanted the match to end that way.

Djokovic, 39, said he was sorry about the way the final ended and hoped De Minaur would recover quickly. The Serbian said his year had involved “lots of ups and downs, physical and health issues”, but added that he knew he could still compete at the highest level when striking the ball well.