24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic became the first man in the Open Era to win a tour-level trophy in 21 successive seasons.
Fluctuating form, a forced stint on the sidelines, rivals taking away the top prizes, 2026 has been a soul-searching season for Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
Could Alcaraz blaze back from injury? Could Djokovic rediscover his ruthless streak?
With 31 Grand Slam titles between them, we’ve learnt over the years to never, ever count out this Hall of Fame duo.
Former world No.1 Novak Djokovic notched up yet more mind-boggling milestones on Tuesday at the China Open. The 39-year-old was leading Alex de Minaur 7-6(3), 1-0, before the Australian talisman was forced to retire with a groin injury.
In doing so, the Serbian captured his seventh Beijing crown and his 102nd career title. In context, only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) have more ATP singles silverware in the Open Era.
“I always have high expectations of myself and always want to visualise myself with the trophy, particularly here in Beijing, a place where I have never lost. But I was also aware that reality is a little bit different these days,” declared Djokovic, having remained invincible at 34-0 at the ATP 500 event.
“This year has been quite challenging for me: lots of physical and health issues. I was just trying to find a good feeling on the court. I know that if I’m feeling well and striking the ball well, I can compete at the highest level. This week has been evidence of that.”
The last time the Serbian competed in the Chinese capital was 2015, when Djokovic swept aside his long-term rival Rafael Nadal 6-2, 6-2 for his sixth Beijing trophy lift. What a return to the tournament. This week the world No.8 put in a gladiatorial effort to overcome top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a compelling quarter-final. His world-class tennis continued into the Final Four, leading Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 5-3 prior to the No.3 seed’s default.
Djokovic delivered countless lung-bursting points and hot shots. It was a true statement triumph from this age-defying great.
"Winning against three Top-10 players back-to-back in three days is a great achievement. I'm obviously filled with joy,” mused Djokovic.
“It’s a bit of a strange feeling, to be honest. I want to celebrate, because I’ve played one of the best weeks in the last couple of years. This trophy means much more than one trophy, one tournament.
“At the same time, he (De Minaur) retired at the beginning of the second, so it doesn’t feel right to jump around and be joyful. But deep inside, I’m very proud of this achievement.”
On top of his legacy-building success, the Serbian has also significantly enhanced his chances of returning to the ATP Finals next month. Djokovic has risen up six spots to ninth in the ‘Race To Turin,’ with only eight players taking the prestigious spots in Italy.
Should Djokovic qualify, he won’t be joined in Turin by defending champion Jannik Sinner. The world No.1 announced on Tuesday that he’s shutting down his 2026 season to fully recuperate his right knee. The five-time major winner hasn’t competed since retaining his Wimbledon title in July.
Just like Djokovic and Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz has endured his own share of adversity in 2026 due to four months out with a wrist injury.
Well, just like Djokovic, the Spaniard roared back into the winner’s circle on Tuesday by defending his Tokyo title.
The world No.3’s 7-6(4), 6-4 victory across the net from Jiri Lehecka capped a remarkable week for Alcaraz. Five wins, clinching all four tie-breaks, two matches going the distance versus Alex Michelsen and compatriot Jaume Munar, the 23-year-old combined sparks of electric tennis with some astute problem solving.
“I’m really happy to be able to lift a trophy again,” said Alcaraz, shortly after winning his first trophy since Doha in February.
“It’s been a while, and obviously it is extra special after my injury. My comeback, in the second tournament that I’ve played, lifting a trophy means a lot.
“I’m really happy about it. A tough week. I didn’t find my best level, but I did find the good solutions, and I think that is what matters at the end. Playing the most important points the best you can. I think I did it this week. I would say today was the best match of the week, or at least more consistent, the level that I played.”
Alcaraz completed the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open earlier this season, prior to his wrist injury. The Spaniard then didn’t compete between Barcelona in April and the US Open at the end of August.
“Obviously a lot of negative thoughts come to your mind,” admitted Alcaraz, reflecting on his enforced absence.
“If you are going to come back healthy, if you are going to come back the same as I was before. If I will be able to hit the ball normally without pain at all. A lot of thoughts came to my mind, but I tried to put those thoughts away all the time.
“I just have to go full for every shot, every ball, and I trust my team, I trust myself, and it worked out.”
ROLAND-GARROS
17 May - 6 June 2027
