Novak Djokovic had won 33 straight matches in Australia, but found himself on the ropes and down a match point to American Sebastian Korda in the final of the Adelaide International.
The 35-year-old Serb saved the match point at 5-6 in the second set and went on to beat Korda, 6-7(8), 7-6(3), 6-4, to win his 92nd ATP title.
“I probably say that you were closer to victory today than I was,” Djokovic told Korda on court. “It was decided in one or two shots, one or two points today, but the future is bright for you so just keep going and you’re an amazing player.”
Djokovic tied his longtime rival Rafael Nadal for fourth on the all-time titles list. The duo trails only Jimmy Connors (109), the recently retired Roger Federer (103) and Ivan Lendl (94).
The 21-time Grand Slam champion would have been the favorite heading into the Australian Open even had he lost to Korda, but the victory solidifies his status as leader of the pack. He has won the Australian Open nine times and had won three straight before being deported against of last year’s fortnight due to his failure to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
Currently ranked No. 5 in the world, Djokovic is one of three men who could leave Australia ranked No. 1, along with No. 3 Casper Ruud and No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas. Djokovic and Tsitsipas need to win the title to claim the honor, while Ruud needs to reach the final if the other two don’t win.
