CNN
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Twelve months after being deported, Novak Djokovik Back in Australia, winning titles and preparing Australian Open,
Djokovic won his first title in Australia since last year’s exile, defeating American Sebastian Korda 6-7(8) 7-6(3) 6-4 in a three-set final at the Adelaide International on Sunday.
Facing championship point at 5-6 in the second set, it looked like the Serb would be handed a crushing defeat by the world No. 33.
He appeared disheartened after Korda won the first set after shouting and gesturing in his players’ box.
Djokovic then told Sky Sports, “I want to thank my team for handling me, putting up with me through the good times and the bad today.” “I’m sure he hasn’t had much fun going back and forth with me, but I appreciate him being here.”
But the 21-time Grand Slam winner’s experience showed, as he came back from championship point to take the second set tiebreaker and take the title in the third.
The win was Djokovic’s 92nd Tour-level trophy, tying Rafael Nadal for the fourth most singles titles in the Open Era, behind only Jimmy Connors (109), Roger Federer (103) and Ivan Lendl (94).
“It’s been an amazing week and you guys have made it even more special. It’s definitely a gift for me to be standing here,” Djokovic told the crowd afterward, according to the ATP website. Gave it my all today and throughout the week to be able to get through.
“The support I’ve been getting over the last 10 days is something I don’t think I’ve experienced very many times in my life, so thank you so much [to] Everyone to come out in every single match.
It provides Djokovic with the perfect platform to start his Australian Open campaign, where he seeks to win his 10th title as well as equal the record for men’s Grand Slam titles, currently set by Nadal at 22. Is.
The Australian Open starts in Melbourne from 16 January.