Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz conquered Beijing and Tokyo, bouncing back from physical issues with standout performances.
Former world number one Novak Djokovic capped an outstanding week of tennis in Beijing by claiming his seventh title at the China Open, improving his unbeaten record to 34-0 at the ATP 500 tournament.
"I'm very proud of the achievement here," he said after the final. "It came at the best possible time as a confidence booster and as proof that I can still play at the highest level.
"Winning against three Top-10 players back to back in three days is a great achievement. I'm obviously filled with joy."
The 24-time major champion beat fifth seed Alex de Minaur 7-6(3), 0-1 in his 146th tour-level championship match.
The 27-year-old Australian retired early in the second set with an injury after one hour and 31 minutes.
Making his first appearance at the event in 11 years, the Serbian bounced back from the physical struggles disrupting his season to reach his first final since finishing runner-up at the 2026 Australian Open.
“Beijing was always my happy place. It continues to be,” he further commented. “I always have high expectations for myself. The goals and desires are always high, particularly in a place where I never lost before.”
The 39-year-old consistently delivered high-level tennis against Top 10 players.
In the semifinals, the Belgrade native met world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev, who was defaulted after hitting a backhand into the crowd, striking a spectator in the eye.
Djokovic was serving for the match at 7-5, 5-3, 15-15 when the unfortunate incident happened. Until then, the match had been a classic with both pushing each other to the edge in breathtaking rally exchanges.
On his way to capture his 102nd career title, he also overpowered top seed Alexander Zverev in a three-set thriller.
Earlier, the sixth seed toppled wildcard Yunchaokete Bu 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 and Portuguese Nuno Borges in straight sets.
Meanwhile, in Tokyo, world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz claimed his second consecutive title at the Japan Open, his first since returning from a wrist injury after four months sidelined from official competition.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion edged Czech Jiri Lehecka 7-6(4), 6-4 in one hour and 36 minutes.
“I’m really happy to be able to lift a trophy again,” Alcaraz asserted. “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."
Previously, the Spaniard made an impressive run to the US Open quarterfinals, falling to American finalist Ben Shelton in a gruelling five-set matchup.
“I’m really happy about it," he added. "A tough week. I didn’t find my best level, but I did find the good solutions, and 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.”
Djokovic and Alcaraz will head to Shanghai to play the Masters 1000 venue at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena.