The 21-time Grand Slam champion tapped his right index finger to his head as a nod to his resilience after victory was sealed when 22-year-old Korda sent a final forehand long.
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Djokovic is now tied with Rafael Nadal for the fourth-most men's singles titles in the Open Era, trailing only Jimmy Connors (109), Roger Federer (103) and Ivan Lendl (94).
Image:"I think he was closer to victory at times today than I was," said Dkokovic of Sebastian Korda
"Seb's had an amazing tournament and put in an amazing effort today," said Djokovic. "I think he was closer to victory at times today than I was. It was only a couple of shots, a couple of points."
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Novak Djokovic shouts at one of his team to leave the court after the Serb lost the first set of the Adelaide International final against Sebastian Korda
Djokovic at times showed irritation with this coach Goran Ivanisevic who supported him from a courtside box or remonstrated with himself after a wasted point.
"I'd like to thank my team for handling me, tolerating me in the good and bad times today," he added. "I'm sure they didn't have such a blast with me going back and forth with them, but I appreciate them being here."
Novak Djokovic thanks his team for putting up with him after his triumph at the Adelaide International
Earlier, second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka claimed her 11th WTA Tour singles title but her first in almost two years when she overcame qualifier Linda Noskova 6-2 7-6 (4) in the women's final.
In doing so she ended an extraordinary run by 18-year-old Noskova who beat third-seeded Daria Kasatkina and former Australian Open champion Viktoria Asarenka in the main draw on the way to her first final.