Melbourne, Australia – The 2024 Australian Open got off to a dramatic start on Monday, as nine-time champion Novak Djokovic was pushed to four sets by 18-year-old qualifier Dino Prižmić in the opening round. Djokovic, the top seed and defending champion, eventually prevailed 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 after nearly four hours on Rod Laver Arena.
The 36-year-old Djokovic came into the tournament with questions surrounding his health, having withdrawn from the ATP Cup due to a hamstring injury. While he appeared to move well against Prižmić, the young Croatian qualifier refused to back down and gave Djokovic all he could handle.
After a routine first set, Prižmić grew in confidence and took the second set in a tiebreaker. Djokovic regrouped to claim the third, but Prižmić continued battling in the fourth set before Djokovic finally closed it out on his sixth match point.
“He deserved every applause and credit he got tonight,” said Djokovic in his on-court interview. “He’s an amazing player, so mature for his age. This could have easily been his match as well.”
Djokovic praised Prižmić’s court coverage, defense, and willingness to come to net. At 6’4″, the Croatian used his wingspan effectively and showed no fear in stepping into the court with Djokovic. Prižmić’s comfort on the big stage was particularly impressive considering this was his first Grand Slam main draw appearance.
“I’m really trying to enjoy every moment on court,” said Djokovic. “I struggled in many moments against him, but credit to him for having an answer for everything.”
The match was a rollercoaster ride from the beginning. After Djokovic cruised through the first set, Prižmić built a 6-2 lead in the second set tiebreaker. Djokovic saved three set points before hitting a forehand wide to lose the set.
In the third, Prižmić broke Djokovic for a 3-2 lead with a deep return forcing an error. But Djokovic elevated his game to take the next four games and the set.
Djokovic raced ahead 4-0 in the fourth set, but Prižmić continued battling and got one of the breaks back before Djokovic finally closed it out. He let out a roar after sealing the win with a backhand down the line on match point.
“We’re going to see a lot of him in the future,” said Djokovic. “He’s going to achieve some big things in his career, no question.”
The match was a wakeup call for Djokovic as he begins his quest for a record-tying 22nd Grand Slam title in Melbourne. Seeded players often get comfortable early round wins, but Prižmić ensured Djokovic had to work hard right out of the gates.
“It was a reality check,” admitted Djokovic on playing an opponent nearly half his age. I’m really trying to enjoy every moment on court because I don’t know how many more Australian Opens I will have.
At 36, Djokovic knows his career is winding down even as he remains firmly atop men’s tennis. With young guns like Prižmić coming up the ranks, it illustrated the inevitable changing of the guard that will happen in the coming years.
Djokovic arrived in Melbourne as the heavy favorite after a dominant 2023 season that saw him win Wimbledon and the US Open. With rival Rafael Nadal suffering a hip injury and exiting in the second round, Djokovic’s path to the title appears clear.
But he knows nothing will be handed to him after the battle with Prižmić. Djokovic will need to maintain focus and play his best tennis through two tough weeks if he is to lift the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup again.
“Any player here intends to achieve the dream of winning a Grand Slam,” said Djokovic before the tournament. “It’s where every player wants to play their best tennis.”
Djokovic now has two days off before his second round match, where he will look to find his rhythm and peak form. As the greatest Australian Open champion, he always rises to the occasion in Melbourne. But this opening match illustrated that complacency will not be tolerated, even in early rounds.
If Djokovic survives the difficult road ahead, he will further cement his place in history with an extraordinary 11th Australian Open title. For now, he progresses in his quest for more historic achievements, but not without a few nervous moments in his 2024 journey Down Under.
