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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 proved once again 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.
Djokovic 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 apologizes
During the final in Adelaide against Korda, anger took over Djokovic in some moments.
At the end of the first set, Nole blatantly ordered two of his team members to leave his box. During the awards ceremony, the Serbian made a point of apologizing: “I really want to thank all my team members. Thank you for supporting me and for putting up with me even in the most difficult moments, which today were many.
I know they didn't enjoy many aspects of this final, but I thank them for not letting me miss their support." Novak is already focused on the Australian Open 2023: "Luckily I'll have some time to recover. The five weeks of pre-season were long, to then arrive in Australia.
I spent almost two weeks in Adelaide training hard, with many hours spent on the pitch. I'm happy with how I'm playing and how I feel."