MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Novak DJOKOVIC survives scare from dynamo Dino PRIZMIC in his longest ever first round match
ATPSunday, 14 January 2024 at 13:16
Novak Djokovic has successfully started his AO2024 campaign and his hunt for number 11 and a record extending title haul in Melbourne, albeit as is often the case early on he survived a scare from 18-year-old qualifier, Dino Prizmic 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4.
Djokovic battled wrist issues before the tournament began and queries surrounding it but it was the display of his opponent that he had to battle with instead. Prizmic was dynamite throughout and was playing with no fear in his first Grand Slam main draw appearance. After Djokovic eased through the first set, he started to fire on all cylinders.
After a back and forth set, Prizmic played his first ever tiebreak on tour and it was a poor effort from Djokovic and the Croat eased through it. He went 2-0 down in the following set but disaster struck as Prizmic double faulted break point down.
After an incredible rally, Prizmic broke back though and that belief saw him lead 3-2. But again he lost his serve and Djokovic broke from 15-40 down in a key juncture as Djokovic took the set from there. After another brutal set he led 6-2, 6-7, 6-3.
The belief then shifted to Djokovic and he breezed into a 4-0 lead turning on the afterburners. Prizmic broke back but that was a consolation as Djokovic put the finishing touches on a brutal but incredible opening win.
Now though despite new rules surrounding late finishes on tour, Aryna Sabalenka will play past midnight in the first scheduling drama of the tournament.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
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