It’s one factor to problem Novak Djokovic, which Sebastian Korda did to a terrific extent Sunday night within the Adelaide Worldwide 1 ultimate. It’s one other factor to complete the job in opposition to the previous World No. 1.
Djokovic proved that when he saved championship level within the second set earlier than rallying for a three-set victory to safe his 92nd tour-level title.
“Nobody is invincible. We have seen the largest tennis gamers within the historical past of the sport lose some huge matches. I’ve misplaced many matches the place I used to be up truly in a match or shut matches,” Djokovic mentioned. “Generally they go your means, typically they do not. Statistically I’ve received extra of these, which I am clearly very glad about.”
Djokovic added that it’s tough to elucidate the “components of success” for coping with such conditions. So usually the 35-year-old goes into “lockdown mode” and forces his opponents to do one thing particular to win, however he doesn’t imagine there are any guidelines to triumphing from the brink of defeat.
“I really feel like every one in all us is so totally different and we’re all distinctive in our personal means when it comes to the character, when it comes to the physique, when it comes to how we play tennis,” Djokovic mentioned. “Somebody feels extra comfy serving and volleying whenever you’re match level down, some really feel [better] taking part in conservatively from the again of the court docket. It is actually a matter of and a query of the second, who you play in opposition to, what do you’re feeling?
“After all, hundreds of ideas are working in your head at that second. You’re feeling strain, little question. It is simply now the way you deal with it, the way you adapt to it, and the way you convey your self again to the current second and attempt to get probably the most out of it.”
The highest seed additionally identified that the extra gamers win tight matches, the extra of a psychological impact it has on future opponents.
“I feel it will get to the pinnacle of your opponents extra, as nicely. That is what I need. I need them to know that whatever the scoreline, I am at all times there, I am at all times combating until the final shot, and I can flip issues round,” Djokovic mentioned. “After all, going into the court docket with anyone realizing that they know as nicely what I am able to is in fact [an] benefit.”
On Sunday, Korda did a great job of taking the motion to Djokovic and stopping the Serbian from working his means into the match. The American’s ball-striking virtually earned him a straight-sets victory and the largest win of his profession.
“He was fairly in management. I wasn’t taking part in my finest in any respect, however discovered a option to win,” Djokovic mentioned. “I feel within the powerful days, whenever you’re not perhaps hanging the ball, not feeling your finest on the court docket, and also you win the match, notably if it is like later phases of the event, just like the finals, it simply provides you much more confidence and satisfaction for reaching that.”
Getting into the match, there have been questions surrounding Djokovic’s health after he tweaked his hamstring throughout his semi-final win in opposition to Daniil Medvedev.
You Could Additionally Like:
Djokovic Saves Championship Level, Beats Korda For Adelaide Title
“I awakened alright. Went deep into night time final night time with work achieved with the physio,” Djokovic mentioned. “Talked with the docs, as nicely, of the event, et cetera. There was numerous care going into right this moment’s match in regards to the hamstring. It was alright.
“[A] few instances within the match I felt was tightening up, the muscle, however nothing that may fear me for my efficiency.”
It was an ideal begin to the 2023 season for Djokovic, who not solely loved his efficiency on the ATP 250, however the metropolis of Adelaide, the place he additionally triumphed in 2007.
“I’ve loved myself completely actually on and off the court docket,” Djokovic mentioned. “All of the people who got here to look at me play and gave me numerous assist and love, that made my keep in Australia and likewise expertise much more constructive, even higher.”