Djokovic works overtime for difficult first round win in Melbourne

Novak Djokovic faced a fierce challenge from the talented teenager Dino Prizmic, enduring a four-hour battle to kick off his Australian Open title defense with a 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 victory in the first round on Sunday.

In what turned out to be Djokovic’s lengthiest first-round match at a major, the Serbian commended the Croatian qualifier for his remarkable performance on his Grand Slam debut. Despite initially appearing in control on the Rod Laver Arena, where he has secured 10 of his 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic found himself in a tight spot against Prizmic.

Prizmic, an 18-year-old world number 178, displayed his prowess by breaking the top seed with a spectacular crosscourt winner early in the second set. Although Djokovic retaliated to break back, Prizmic continued to elevate his game, forcing a tiebreak and leveling the contest.

More on this topic:

Alcaraz leaves Djokovic no chance to defend Wimbledon title

The third set unfolded as an intense battle, with Djokovic facing considerable pressure from his athletic opponent. The Serbian made 20 unforced errors and confronted six break points. Despite breaking Prizmic initially, the teenager persisted with powerful forehands and engaged in extended rallies, ultimately breaking Djokovic to take a 3-2 lead after a 15-minute game.

Having not lost a match at the Australian Open in six years and 28 matches, Djokovic was determined to maintain that record. He regrouped, changed his shirt, and clinched the next four games to secure the set. Djokovic celebrated with a fist pump and a roar, acknowledging the challenges Prizmic had posed.

As the toll of more than three hours of play began to affect Prizmic, Djokovic capitalized on the advantage, ultimately securing his 90th win at the Australian Open.