Novak Djokovic has started the new season in the best possible way, by winning the 92nd title of his career in Adelaide. The Serbian phenomenon had to sweat more than expected to beat Sebastian Korda in the final, but he once again proved that he is mentally from another planet.
The former world number 1 canceled a match point in the second set and made use of his experience in the third, gaining confidence in view of the Australian Open. The first Grand Slam of the season will kick off on Monday 16 January and Nole will start with the favors of the forecast.
The 35-year-old from Belgrade, who was unable to participate in the AOs last year, wants to take revenge and conquer his tenth title at Melbourne Park. If he were to succeed in this feat, he would hook his eternal rival Rafael Nadal at 22 Grand Slams.
The ‘Djoker’ will have to pay close attention to the outgoing champion Rafa Nadal, the finalist of the last two editions Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, while Carlos Alcaraz has given up due to a leg injury.
Djokovic won his 92th title
In his final against Sebastian Korda in Adelaide, Novak Djokovic did not spare his team. After the loss of the first set, he was more than annoyed, he blamed himself. Suddenly, he released his nerves against part of his box and in particular against his brother, Marko, by making several hand gestures as if to tell them to leave.
This blow of blood, Nole later regretted it as he explained during his speech on the court: “I really want to thank my team. Thank you for supporting me, thank you for tolerating me in good and bad times, like today. I know they didn’t have a great time with me who kept going to get them but I’m grateful to them for being there.”
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Djokovic stated that he has worked hard to build a reputation of being a player who would not give up even on the final point. “Statistically I’ve been lucky to win more of these kind of matches.
Of course, the more you win these particular matches, the better you feel. I think it gets to the head of your opponents more, as well. That’s what I want. I want them to know that regardless of the scoreline, I’m always there, I’m always fighting till the last shot, and I’m able to turn things around,” Djokovic said.