Tennis essentials, October 6: Djokovic at 102, Sinner’s season over, Alcaraz retains Tokyo

A full day on court: Djokovic beat De Minaur by retirement for the 102nd title of his career, Alcaraz kept his trophy in Tokyo and Sinner made his season over official. Around those three, Medvedev’s disqualification and the abuse aimed at Gauff filled the day in Beijing.

Djokovic, title 102: seven entries, seven trophies in Beijing

Alex De Minaur stopped the Beijing final early in the second set (7-6 [3], 0-1), a thigh injury handing Novak Djokovic the 102nd title of his career, his first of the year. At 39, the Serb did not face a match point across his last two rounds, after a rough American swing: first-round exits in Cincinnati and at the US Open. He beat three top-10 players in three days. “I always picture myself leaving a tournament with the trophy, especially here, a place where I have never lost,” he said at the ceremony. Our report recaps the final.

Sinner packs his rackets until 2027

World No 1 Jannik Sinner has not played since his Wimbledon title on 12 July. On Tuesday he announced the end of his 2026 season to undergo treatment on his right knee. “In consultation with the doctors, we decided I had to follow treatment for my knee,” he explained in a video. He will not defend his ATP Finals title, and Alexander Zverev is now assured of finishing the year as world No 1; for Arthur Fils, the path to the Finals comes closer. Our report details the consequences.

Alcaraz keeps Tokyo and sets his sights higher

Two tournaments into his return from four and a half months out with a right wrist injury, Carlos Alcaraz retained his Tokyo title against Jiri Lehecka (7-6 [4], 6-4 in 1hr 37min). A first trophy in eight months for the Spaniard, a US Open quarter-finalist on his comeback. “I would like to win all these important tournaments. I am looking forward to it,” he said in his press conference. Our report recaps the final.

Medvedev defaulted, one ball too far

In Sunday’s semi-final, Daniil Medvedev fired a ball in frustration towards the stands and hit a spectator in the face as Djokovic served for the match (7-5, 5-3, 15-15). Immediate disqualification. “I don’t care if you smash a racket, but as soon as you involve another person, it’s over,” Andy Roddick ruled on his podcast. The severity of the sanction still feeds the debate.

Gauff abused for playing by the rules

Coco Gauff was targeted with racist abuse on social media after her third-round win at the China Open in Beijing. The American had stopped a point, disturbed by a light flash from the advertising panels. “I find it strange to be criticised for respecting the rules,” she replied to the criticism.

Atmane, another retirement and an explanation

Still in Shanghai: Terence Atmane retired again on Monday in Masters 1000 qualifying as Bernard Tomic was about to serve for the match (6-3, 4-6, 5-3), a week after walking off at the Jingshan Challenger. A racket thrown towards the stands had also marked the match. “It doesn’t excuse my behaviour, but going from the top 40 to nearly dropping out of the top 100 made me much more stressed and under pressure than I could have imagined,” he admitted. Our report covered the episode.