In a riveting start to his Australian Open title defense, Novak Djokovic faced an unexpected challenge in the form of Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic, setting a new record for the Serbian’s longest opening match at a Grand Slam tournament. The world No. 1, acknowledging Prizmic’s “amazing performance,” highlighted the young Croatian’s resilience and exceptional play that made the champion “run for his money.”
The encounter, lasting four hours and one minute, saw Djokovic clinch a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4. Notably, this match surpassed Djokovic’s previous record for the longest Grand Slam first-round match, set back in 2005 at the US Open against Gael Monfils.
The initial set appeared to suggest a routine victory for Djokovic, securing breaks in the first and seventh games. However, Prizmic turned the tide in the second set, forcing a tie-break where he leveled the match, showcasing a commendable display of skill and determination.
Despite trailing in the third set, Prizmic’s gritty performance created an intense contest. Djokovic, true to his champion status, responded emphatically by winning the next eight games, ultimately securing the third set and establishing a 4-0 lead in the fourth set. The match, however, took an unexpected turn as Prizmic mounted a comeback, breaking Djokovic and saving multiple match points before the Serbian closed out the contest on his seventh match point.
Reflecting on the challenging encounter, Djokovic praised Prizmic’s maturity, mentality, and impressive court coverage. The Serbian acknowledged that Prizmic’s breakthrough moment could have easily resulted in a different outcome, emphasizing the Croatian’s potential for future success.
In a post-match press conference, Djokovic revealed that Prizmic had admired him since childhood, adding an extra layer of significance to their on-court battle. The world No. 1 applauded Prizmic’s desire to win and expressed admiration for the 18-year-old’s game, both in terms of style and mental fortitude.
As Prizmic looks to build on his remarkable performance and rise in the rankings, Djokovic predicts a bright future for the Croatian talent. With a promising start to his Grand Slam journey, Prizmic’s resilience and determination against the world No. 1 undoubtedly mark him as a rising star to watch in the tennis landscape of 2024.
