India, Oct. 6 -- About a month ago, Novak Djokovic left New York in tears. It was his first round-one exit at a Grand Slam in 20 years, and his first ever at Flushing Meadows. The manner of the defeat, with Djokovic gasping for breath amid health concerns, raised questions in tennis about how soon he would retire. It felt like the end was near. Questions also grew over whether his LA Olympics swansong was realistic, with some urging him to put his health first.

Over the last seven days in Beijing, he beat reigning US Open champion Alexander Zverev, outlasted Daniil Medvedev and reached the final. Today, he will face Alex de Minaur for a chance to win his first title since the Hellenic Championship in Athens on November 8, 2025.

For Djok...