Tennis News: Novak Djokovic claims Adelaide Open amidst expel drama

The Serbian appeared to be headed for an unexpected loss until overcoming 6-7 (8) 7-6 (3) 6-4 in an exhausting three hours and nine minutes to extend his winning streak in Australia to 34 games, stretching back to 2019.

After being asked to leave the court during the Adelaide International 1 final with his entourage, including his brother, Novak Djokovic praised his staff for "tolerating him in the good and bad moments."

In Sunday's championship match at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre, the 21-time Grand Slam victor faced Sebastian Korda, and it was a delectable contest as the American gave him a good run for his money.

Djokovic was expelled from the country before the 2022 Australian Open because he refused to get the Covid-19 vaccination, posing a risk to the public's health.

The 35-year-old will return to Melbourne this month in the hopes of winning a 10th championship, despite needing treatment for his left leg after Saturday's semi-final victory over Daniil Medvedev.

He'll be bursting with confidence after winning the 92nd tour-level title of his storied career at the end of an enthralling match.

Djokovic fought back to keep himself in the match at 5-6 in the second set and then sprinted through the tie-break to force a decider.

After victory was sealed when 22-year-old Korda sent a final forehand long, the 21-time grand slam champion touched his right index finger to his head, saluting his resilience.

"It's been an amazing week and you guys made it even more special," said Djokovic.

"For me to be standing here is a gift. I gave it all today and throughout the week to be able to get my hands on the trophy.

"I would like to thank my team for tolerating me in good and bad times. Today, I'm sure they didn't have such a blast with me going back and forth, but I appreciate them, and my brother is here. I love you.

"The support that I've been getting in the past ten days is something that I don't think I've experienced too many times in my life, so thank you to everyone for coming out every single match.

As he added, Djokovic paid tribute to his opponent Korda.: "Amazing tournament, amazing effort today. You were closer to victory today than I was.