The 24-time Grand Slam champion was competing in only his second final of the year after losing January’s Australian Open showpiece to Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic beat world number two Alexander Zverev on his way to the Beijing final and was a set and a break up on third seed Daniil Medvedev when the Russian was defaulted from their semi-final.
Djokovic’s ability to compete at the highest level is rarely in question – he beat world number one Sinner to reach the Australian Open final and took a set off Alcaraz in the showpiece – but his body has let him down in recent years.
He was left in tears following a gruelling first-round loss at the US Open and spoke about struggling with a “serious health condition” that particularly bothered him in oppressive conditions.
He reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon, losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, but suffered a surprise third-round exit at the French Open at the hands of rising star Joao Fonseca.
This is Djokovic’s first title in just over a year, having limited his schedule to protect his body.
He is the oldest man to win an ATP Tour-level title since 43-year-old Ken Rosewall won in Hong Kong in 1877.
Victory will also see him return to inside the world’s top 10.
“This year has been quite challenging for me, lots of ups and downs and physical and health issues, so I was just trying to find a good feeling on the court,” Djokovic said.
“I know that when I’m feeling well and striking the ball well I can still compete at the highest level.
“This week has been an evidence to that. I’m very proud.”