Number 5 in the world, the Serbian has faced difficult matches and reaches 18 consecutive seasons by winning at least one ATP title
It’s only the eighth day of the year and… Novak Djokovic already secured the first title of 2023. The Serbian number 5 in the world was almost overtaken by the American Sebastian Kordabut saved the game point in the second set and looked for the round to grab the trophy of the Adelaide ATP 250in Australia. The partials of the first comparison between the tennis players were 6/7 (8/10), 7/6 (7/3) and 6/4.
This is Nole’s 92nd title on the ATP Tour, the fourth biggest winner in the open era next to Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard and Djokovic are behind Ivan Lendl (94), Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connor (109). After 3h8min from the start, Djokovic achieved his 34th consecutive career victory.
“It’s been a great week for me and you guys have made it even more special. For me, staying here is definitely a gift,” the Serbian tennis player told the crowd. “I did my best today and throughout the week to get my hands on this trophy. The support I’ve received over the past 10 days is something I’ve only experienced a few times in my career, so thank you all so much for after every game “, completed.
The first set had only two breaks and a lot of controversy. Korda saved two set points, while Djokovic saved six. On the seventh occasion, the American confirmed the victory and started from the front. In the second set, no break and Korda opened 6/5, one game away from the biggest win of his career. The American reached match point with 40 to 30, but saw Djokovic level the set and win 7/3 in the tie-break. In the third set, Djokovic started to grow at the right time and confirmed the 6/4 victory with a break.
Nole also commented on Korda’s departure. “Great tournament, spectacular effort today. I’d probably say you were closer to winning than me. It was always decided on a ball or two, a ball or two. Bad luck today but the future is bright for you, keep it up in the face of the fact that you are a wonderful player. Congratulations,” he said.
With the title in Adelaide, Djokovic reaches 18 consecutive seasons by winning at least one ATP title. The Serbian will arrive packed for the Australian Open, which starts on the 15th. The biggest Grand Slam winner, Nole will be looking for his tenth title in the competition.
He will still play in the Australian tournament after the controversy he experienced in 2022, when he was barred from playing for not having been vaccinated against covid-19. In January last year, the player ended up being deported and barred from entering the country for three years, but the punishment was lifted in December. The requirement for proof of vaccination has been dropped and Nole will play at the Australian Open again.
SABALENKA CONQUERS THE TROPHY
Aryna Sabalenka opened the season by securing her 11th career title at the WTA 250 in Adelaide. The Belarusian number 5 in the world has confirmed her favoritism towards the Czech Linda Noskova. After a 2022 without titles, Sabalenka raises a trophy again at the start of the season. You compared their evolution in this period without titles, the last one was in Madrid, in May 2021.
“I think I’m a different player right now. Maybe a little smarter, a little calmer on the pitch. Everything has changed a bit since then,” she said.
Sabalenka won the dispute by 2 sets to 0, with partials of 6/3 and 7/6 (7/4). Despite the loss, Noskova, world No. 102, becomes the youngest tennis player to reach a final of a WTA 500-level event or higher since Caroline Wozniacki in 2008. Noskova is just 18 years old.
THIAGO MONTEIRO WINS
After being interrupted by the rain, the Brazilian Thiago Monteiro returned to the field against the German Daniel Aitmaier and confirmed the victory by 2 sets to 1, with partials of 3/6, 7/5 and 7/6 (8/ 6 ). The Ceará tennis player’s next mission in the tournament in Auckland, New Zealand was against local Ajeet Rai. The match was also abandoned this Sunday due to rain. The Brazilian has an advantage of 6/7 (5), 6/3 and 5/3 in the match after 2h39min. They will face off again at the end of the day at 8pm.
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Source: Terra
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.