diff --git a/packages/dockview-core/src/dockview/components/titlebar/tabsContainer.ts b/packages/dockview-core/src/dockview/components/titlebar/tabsContainer.ts
index b96b13dd8..d803884a2 100644
--- a/packages/dockview-core/src/dockview/components/titlebar/tabsContainer.ts
+++ b/packages/dockview-core/src/dockview/components/titlebar/tabsContainer.ts
@@ -379,7 +379,16 @@ export class TabsContainer
                         !panelObject.api.isActive
                     );
 
-                    wrapper.addEventListener('pointerdown', () => {
+                    wrapper.addEventListener('pointerdown', (event) => {
+                        // Check if the click is on a close button or its children
+                        const target = event.target as HTMLElement;
+                        const isCloseButton = target.closest('.dv-default-tab-action') !== null;
+                        
+                        if (isCloseButton) {
+                            // Let the close button handle its own event
+                            return;
+                        }
+                        
                         this.accessor.popupService.close();
                         tab.element.scrollIntoView();
                         tab.panel.api.setActive();