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Novak Djokovic and Tallon Griekspoor are the first winners of ATP titles in 2023. The Dutchman clinched his first ATP crown after overcoming one of the weakest draws of the season. On the other hand, Novak toppled two top-20 opponents and prevailed over an inspired Sebastian Korda in the title clash after more than three hours to win his 92nd ATP crown.
Despite having much tougher opponents, Djokovic was paid less than Griekspoor for winning Pune! Of course, he has nothing to do with the players themselves (the Adelaide organizers had to prepare the appearance fee for Djokovic and Medvedev), but it still seems wrong in many ways.
Tallon overcame top-20 rival Marin Cilic without even setting foot on the court and beat four opponents from outside the top-55 to lift the trophy. On the other hand, Djokovic knocked down two French rivals to reach the Adelaide quarterfinals.
He faced world number 18 Denis Shapovalov and defeated him in straight sets to set up a semifinal battle with world number 7 Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic survived injury and beat the Russian in straight sets to advance to the final.
Novak had to give his 120% to clinch the trophy, saving a match point in a thrilling 6-7 7-6 6-4 win over Sebastian Korda. The match lasted three hours and nine minutes, and the two rivals pushed themselves to the limit from start to finish.
They only gave up three breaks and stayed even until the end of the last set. They needed an hour and 13 minutes to complete the first set, which was a roller coaster. Sebastian broke in the ninth game and served for the set in the next.
The young tennis player created three set points on serve in the tenth game and squandered them all, including a routine backhand into the net in the third. Djokovic broke again after the backhand error from his rival and prolonged the battle.
Nole Djokovic is highly motivated
Novak Djokovic shared his thoughts on the players he would love to play with. "Wow, that's a tough one. I got to pick more than one. Ibrahimovic is a dear friend of mine, so I'd love to play with him and obviously Messi, Ronaldo, obvious and from the older guys, Batistuta," the 35-year-old asserted.
The nine-time Australian Open champion went on to express that the he would probably play on the left-side of the football pitch. "Left-side, probably left-forward. Usually I'm left footed, so I'd just try to asssist somebody in the box I guess," the 35-year-old added.
