Novak Djokovic won his 92nd ATP title as he defeated Sebastian Korda by 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 to clinch Adelaide International 1 on Sunday. The Serbian has kickstarted his season on a high and he will look to be at his best in the upcoming Australian Open.
The veteran had to save a Match Point against the American in the second set and he was able to keep his nerves in the end. Djokovic recalled that he has won many tight matches in his career and he once again showed why he is one of the most mentally tough players on the tour.
“No one is invincible. We’ve seen the biggest tennis players in the history of the game lose some big matches. I’ve lost many matches where I was up actually in a match or close matches,” Djokovic said. “Sometimes they go your way, sometimes they don’t. Statistically, I’ve won more of those, which I’m obviously very happy about.”
Djokovic now has the same number of ATP titles as Rafael Nadal and he will look to draw level with the Spaniard in the race of the Grand Slams.
Sharing his mental situation when playing the tough phases of the big matches, Djokovic said, “I feel like each one of us is so different and we are all unique in our own way in terms of the character, in terms of the body, in terms of how we play tennis,” Djokovic said.
“Someone feels more comfortable serving and volleying when you’re match point down, some feel [better] playing conservatively from the back of the court. It’s really a matter of and a question of the moment, who you play against, what do you feel?
“Of course, thousands of thoughts are running in your head at that moment. You feel pressure, no doubt. It’s just now how you handle it, how you adapt to it, and how you bring yourself back to the present moment and try to get the most out of it.”
Djokovic went on to add the more tough games you win as a player, the better it makes you for future matches.
“I think it gets to the head of your opponents more, as well. That’s what I want. I want them to know that regardless of the scoreline, I’m always there, I’m always fighting till the last shot, and I’m able to turn things around,” Djokovic said.
“Of course, going into the court with anybody knowing that they know as well what I’m capable of is of course [an] advantage.”
The Australian Open will begin on January 16.
