Novak Djokovic apologised to Alex de Minaur after failing to immediately address his injured opponent in his China Open speech. The final between the pair in Beijing ended abruptly when De Minaur retired moments after holding serve in the opening game of the second set.
Djokovic had won the first set via a tiebreak before both received medical treatment. The Serb had a medical timeout on court before De Minaur walked off to have treatment behind closed doors. Though the Australian returned to court to continue playing and held his serve, he then walked across to Djokovic to shake hands at the net, leaving the crowd and commentators stunned.
De Minaur did not offer any clarity on the nature of his injury during his runner-up speech, though he told the crowd: "I'm really, really sorry."
Djokovic's apology
In his own speech, Djokovic's first answer focused on his feelings after winning his seventh China Open title and lifting his first trophy anywhere in almost 12 months. But the 39-year-old realised his mistake, failing to acknowledge De Minaur earlier in the interview, after being asked a second question and apologised for his 'rude' behaviour.
Asked if Beijing is a special place to him, Djokovic said: "Of course it is..." before he then paused his answer to add: "I just realised, it was rude for me not to start with Alex and his team. Congratulations for a great week.
"I'm really sorry for the way it has finished today. I really hope you can recover quickly. You're definitely one of the most exciting players to watch on the tour. I wish you all the best not just for this year but the years to come." De Minaur thanked him in response.
Reflections on the win
Before that, Djokovic had said: "It's been 11 years since I played here last. Honestly I always have high expectations of myself and I always visualise myself with the trophy, particularly here in Beijing, a place where I've never lost.
"But I was also quite aware that reality is a bit different these days, 11 years later. This year has been quite challenging for me. A lot of ups and downs, physical and health issues. I just tried to find a good feeling on the court.
"Obviously I know when I'm feeling well and striking the ball well I can still compete on the highest level. This week has been the evidence of that to be honest. Very proud. I want to thank my team for their incredible patience with me and their support.
"They know what we've been through the last few years, particularly this year. This trophy means much more than one trophy, one tournament, for all of us. Very, very happy for that."
Thanks to the crowd
Djokovic also thanked the Beijing crowd after improving his unbeaten record at this tournament to 34-0. He said: "I wouldn't make such great results in a place I'm not feeling well. I feel really at home here. People are super kind and nice.
"I can't thank the crowd enough for the support and love and passion. They have been an instrumental part of this success, no doubt, and I owe them a great gratitude for that."
