Djokovic survives round scare before advancing at Aussie Open
Novak Djokovic survived a huge first-round scare against teenage qualifier Dino Prizmic at the Australian Open.
History-chasing Djokovic, bidding for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam, found himself a break down in the third set before going on to win 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-4 in Melbourne.
The world No 1, looking for his 11th title Down Under, had to battle for just over four hours before winning through against the 18-year-old world No 178.
It was the longest opening match of a Grand Slam he has played as the Serb survived a significant test in his quest to overtake Margaret Court and stand alone at the top of the sport.
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“I started off well for a 36-year-old,” said Djokovic. “Wow, when you think about it… I am double his age!
“I struggled in many different moments tonight. He was very physical. I had good moments. Some moments I could have played better. It’s been a very short off-season but hopefully I will be at my best for the next match.”
The signs did not look good for Prizmic when he dropped his opening service game and then took a medical time-out in the fifth game for treatment to his left groin.
He already had tape on his right arm and could find nothing to hurt Djokovic in the first set, but things began to change early in the second.
Novak Djokovic (right) says playing Dino Prizmic (left) was like taking on himself in the mirror.
Djokovic won a staggering 17 of his 19 tie-breaks at grand slams in 2023, including 15 in a row from the second round in Melbourne to the Wimbledon final, but here he played a very poor one and suddenly what had seemed a straightforward occasion became anything but.
Djokovic, who was dabbing his brow and puffing his cheeks, was making a lot of uncharacteristic errors and Prizmic fought back from 2-0 down in the third set to lead by a break at 3-2.
There was concern on the face Djokovic’s coach Goran Ivanisevic, who was among the spectators watching his countryman Prizmic’s run to the French Open junior title last year.
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Djokovic ultimately found a way through, but the 36-year-old’s rivals will have been watching closely.
“He deserved every applause, every credit that he got tonight,” said Djokovic of his opponent. “Amazing player, I must say. Very mature for his age. This was his moment. It could easily have been his match, as well. He made me really run for my money tonight.”