Adelaide International 2023: Novak Djokovic vs Sebastian Korda Tennis Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2023 Adelaide International as Novak Djokovic takes on Sebastian Korda in the final on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

Novak Djokovic is gunning for a 92nd career title at the 2023 Adelaide International. But he faces an in-form Sebastian Korda in the final. The lanky American hasn’t dropped a set en route to the championship, will he upstage the former World No. 1?

Novak Djokovic survived his first acid test at this year’s Adelaide International, defeating one of his big rivals Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-4 in an action-packed semifinal. Djokovic had a worrying moment towards the end of the first set when he appeared to have pulled his hamstring. But after taking a medical timeout off the court and was able to continue without any physical issues. Djokovic admitted in the post-match interview it was nothing serious and after taking anti-inflammatories, he managed to settle in the match. He will be hoping he doesn’t wake up with a stiff leg or pain of any kind, especially against a player of Sebastian Korda’s caliber.

Sebastian Korda, for his part, has been in terrific form this week at the Adelaide International reaching his first final of the season without dropping a set. Korda is yet to add to his lone ATP title which he won on the clay courts of Parma in 2021, finishing runner-up twice last autumn in Gijon and Antwerp respectively. But he has been in top gear, clearing a formidable list of opponents including Andy Murray, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Jannik Sinner. He didn’t have to complete his semifinal match after Yoshihito Nishioka retired while trailing by a set due to a hip problem.

Novak Djokovic and Sebastian Korda have not played each other on the ATP Tour. Sunday’s final at the Adelaide International will be their first official meeting. Djokovic has been hitting the ball bigger this week, particularly off his serve and forehand. Against Medvedev he saved all three break points he faced. He served at an astonishing pace and the fact that he was able to mix it up by throwing some kick serves truly unsettled Medvedev. Djokovic won 31 out of 35 points behind his first delivery against a quality returner like the Russian. Korda has also served immaculately, dropping his serve twice all week. He hasn’t played Djokovic before which only adds to the intrigue. Still, the Serbian’s record on Australian soil is something to behold. He hasn’t lost there since 2018, and we reckon he will bag his 92nd ATP title on Sunday.