Novak Djokovic saved match point by beating Sebastian Korda to win the Adelaide International and extend his winning streak in Australia to 34 games.
The Serb lost his first set of the tournament but fought back to win 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (7-3) 6-4.
The world number five has won 92 career ATP singles titles, tied with Rafael Nadal. Only Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl have won more.
“It’s been an amazing week, for me being here is a gift,” Djokovic said.
“The support I’ve received over the last 10 days is something I don’t think I’ve experienced too many times in my life, so thank you all so much for coming to every game.”
The Adelaide International is Djokovic’s first tournament in Australia since he was kicked out in 2022 due to his Covid-19 vaccine status, but his visa ban has now been lifted. reversed.
Djokovic will be looking to extend his record winning streak at the Australian Open which kicks off on January 16. He is aiming for his 10th title, which would also equal Nadal’s men’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles.
Aryna Sabalenka won her 11th career singles title, beating 18-year-old qualifier Linda Noskova 6-3 7-6 (6-4) in the women’s final.
It was world number five Sabalenka’s first victory since May 2021, sealing victory without dropping a set throughout the tournament.
“I’m a different player right now,” Sabalenka said after the game.
“Maybe a little smarter, a little calmer on the court. Just a bit of everything has changed.”
Elsewhere, world number seven Coca Gauff won the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
Gauff, 18, beat Spanish qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-1 6-1 and hasn’t dropped a set in five matches.
It was Gauff’s first title since 2021 and his first on a hard court since 2019.
“Honestly a great week for me despite the rain,” Gauff said. “I couldn’t ask for a better start to the season – my first hard court title [courts] since I was 15.”
