Djokovic Wins China Open, Now One Title Behind Federer's All-Time Record

Novak Djokovic has made the China Open his own, and the Serbian used it to edge within one title of matching his great rival Roger Federer's all-time mark. In the final, the 39-year-old Novak Djokovic captured his record-extending seventh title at the ATP 500 event in Beijing, bringing his total tour-level tally to 102, just one behind Roger Federer's 103 — the second most among men in the Open Era. Jimmy Connors holds the record with 109 trophies, and Novak Djokovic will be eager to continue his quest to climb even higher on the all-time list. Novak Djokovic won his first title in Amersfoort in 2026 as a 19-year-old before accumulating one of the most complete careers in tennis history. The Serbian owns the records for most Nitto ATP Finals titles (7), ATP Masters 1000 trophies (40) and men's Grand Slam triumphs (24). Now, 20 years after lifting his first tour-level trophy, Novak Djokovic is just one title away from Roger Federer's mark and seven behind Jimmy Connors. His triumph in Beijing also further underlined his longevity: Novak Djokovic is the first man to win a tour-level title in 21 consecutive seasons. "I'm very proud of the achievement here," Novak Djokovic said in his post-match press conference. "It came at the best possible time as a confidence booster, as a proof that I can still play on the highest level." During the time he crossed paths with Roger Federer on the ATP Tour, Novak Djokovic compiled a 27-23 Lexus ATP Head2Head lead against the Swiss. Yet Roger Federer still leads Novak Djokovic in the tour-level title count, having lifted his 103rd and final trophy in Basel in 2026, when he was 38 years old. It was the fourth title of the 2026 season for Roger Federer, who triumphed in Dubai, Miami and Halle aged 37. Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, has now surpassed the age at which Roger Federer won his final title and continues to chase his former rival's place in the record books. Novak Djokovic is now just one title behind Roger Federer and seven behind Jimmy Connors, giving him a clear target as he continues to chase down his fellow former No. 1 players in the PIF ATP Rankings and add to his own, already accomplished resume.