O'Connell loss ends Aussie title hopes in Adelaide

O'Connell will at least arrive at next week's Australian Open with a boost of confidence after taking it to the world No.29, who reached the last eight at Melbourne Park in 2023.

Korda made last year's final in Adelaide, where he lost to top seed Novak Djokovic in three sets after blowing a championship point.

O'Connell temporarily retired from the sport to clean boats in 2018 following a spate of injuries, but found career-best form last year, with his ranking reaching No.53.