Novak Djokovic has tied with Rafael Nadal for most ATP Tour titles won at 92 after overcoming America’s Sebastian Korda in a marathon encounter to win the Adelaide International.
The world No.5 fended off a match point in the second set en route to a 6-7(8), 7-6(3), 6-4, win over 22-year-old Korda who is still yet to defeat a top-five player in his career. Battling on court for over three hours there were no signs of a leg issue which troubled the former world No.1 in his previous match against Daniil Medvedev. It is the second title Djokovic has won in Adelaide after 2007.
“I hope you enjoyed the show tonight,” a delighted Djokovic said afterwards during the trophy presentation.
“To Seb and his team, it was an amazing tournament and an amazing effort from you today. I probably say that you were closer to victory today than I was. It was decided by one or two shots. It was tough luck today but the future is bright for you so just keep going. You’re an amazing player.”
Taking to the court, Djokovic started off guns blazing by winning 17 out of his first 18 service points before getting locked into a roller-coaster tussle with the world No.33. Korda, who defeated both Andy Murray and Jannik Sinner earlier in the tournament, lived up to his surge in good form by breaking for a 5-4 lead. However, Djokovic immediately roared back in the following game by saving three set points in a row before levelling.
Korda continued to see opportunities come and go in the tiebreaker when he surged to a 6-4 lead before being pegged back. Then it was Djokovic’s turn to have a set point opportunity but he failed to convert after hitting a forehand shank. In what was a mental battle as well as a physical one, it was Korda who would eventually prevail. Battling to a 9-8 lead, it was seventh time lucky for the American who finally converted a set point after a Djokovic backhand crashed into the net.
Continuing to push his opponent to the brink in the second frame, the underdog worked his way to his first match point at 6-5 after a gripping rally ended with a Djokovic shot going wide. However, he was unable to convert with the top seed hitting a blistering smash at the net.
Facing the prospect of defeat, the former world No.1 found another level in his game as he raced through the second tiebreaker to force the match into a decider. Prompting huge roars from the crowd in what was his first tournament on Australian soil since getting deported from the country 12 months ago.
There was little to distinguish between the two throughout the decider with both players refusing to budge behind their serve. Djokovic had two break point chances whilst leading 2-1 but Korda battled back by winning five points in a row to draw level. It would be the defensive skills of the Serbian that helped him cross the finish line. At 5-4, a lengthy exchange concluded with Korda hitting a smash into the net which rewarded Djokovic his maiden match point. On the first time of asking, he sealed victory after a shot from across the count landed out.
Immediately after the final, Djokovic pointed to his head whilst looking towards his camp. Illustrating the mental resilience he demonstrated throughout the match.
“It’s been an amazing week and you guys (the crowd) made it even more special for me,” said Djokovic.
“To be standing here is a gift. I gave it all today and throughout the week in order to get my hand on the trophy. The support I have been getting the last 10 days was something I don’t think I experienced many times in my life. It definitely felt like I was playing at home.” He added.
Korda is now 3-9 against top-10 players on the Tour but his latest effort illustrates the true potential he has. He has only beaten a top-10 player on a hardcourt once before which was at the 2021 Miami Masters when he defeated Diego Schwartzman.
“It was a great match today. Hopefully, there will be many more battles,” said Korda.
“I want to thank my team. It’s a great start to the year. I wish we could have gotten it done today but there is a long journey to go and I think we are going to have a great year together.“
Djokovic has now won 34 matches in a row on Australian soil since the start of 2019 and he has won his last 25 matches against American opponents on the Tour. Only Ivan Lendl (94), Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) have won more ATP trophies than him in history.
