Novak Djokovic defeated Sebastian Korda to win the Adelaide International and extend his winning streak on Australian soil to 34 games.
The Serb lost the first set – his first of the of the tournament – but fought back to win 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (7-3) 6-4.
Ranked 5th in the world, he has now won his 92nd ATP singles title, putting him level with Rafael Nadal. Only Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl have a better haul.
The Adelaide International is Djokovic’s first tournament in Australia since he was deported in 2022 for his Covid-19 vaccination status, but his visa ban has now been lifted. Djokovic is looking to extend his winning record at the Australian Open, which starts on January 16. He is chasing his 10th title, which would match Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles.
In the women’s singles, Aryna Sabalenka defeated 18-year-old qualifier Linda Noskova 6-3, 7-6 (6-4) in the women’s final to win her 11th career singles title.
It was Sabalenka’s first win since May 2021 as the world No. 5 world secured her win without dropping a set throughout the tournament.
Elsewhere, 18 year-old Coca Gauff won the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.
The world number seven beat Spanish qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-1 6-1 and did not drop a set across five matches.
It was Gauff’s first title since 2021 and her first on hard court since 2019.