The world’s number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic, had a nail-biting start to his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
Djokovic, who is also aiming for his 11th win at the tournament, faced an unexpected challenge from a young qualifier named Dino Prizmic.
Despite being 36 years old, Djokovic had to fight hard for just over four hours to secure a 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-4 victory over the 18-year-old Prizmic, who is ranked world No. 178.
The match was a significant test for Djokovic, who is looking to surpass Margaret Court and become the most successful player in the sport’s history.
The Serbian tennis star admitted to struggling in many different moments during the match, saying that he had good moments but also could have played better.
Djokovic also noted that the short off-season had not helped him prepare for the tournament as well as he would have liked.
Prizmic seemed to have little chance against Djokovic after dropping his opening service game and requiring medical attention for his left groin in the fifth game.
However, he began to find his rhythm in the second set, taking advantage of Djokovic’s uncharacteristic errors to push the match to a tie-break.
Djokovic, known for his prowess in tie-breaks, played an uncharacteristically poor one, allowing Prizmic to take the second set.
Djokovic’s coach, Goran Ivanisevic, looked concerned as Prizmic continued to put up a fight in the third set, taking a break lead at 3-2.
Djokovic, who had been struggling physically, managed to find a way back, ultimately winning the match in four sets.
Despite the win, Djokovic was full of praise for his young opponent, calling him an amazing player who was very mature for his age.
Djokovic acknowledged that it could easily have been Prizmic’s match and that he had to run for his money against the talented teenager.
