Novak Djokovic survives scare against 18-year-old qualifier in Melbourne opener

Novak Djokovic was given a scare by Croatian teenager Dino Prizmic in the longest first-round match of his grand slam career.

The world number one is a big favourite to win an 11th title at Melbourne Park, where he has not lost since 2018, but he dropped the second set as 18-year-old Prizmic showed what makes him a major talent for the future.

The qualifier was briefly a break up in the third set and kept battling after Djokovic stepped things up before the defending champion finally clinched a 6-2 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-4 victory on his seventh match point after four hours and one minute.

This is Djokovic’s 73rd grand slam tournament and he was full of praise for debutant Prizmic, saying: “He deserved every applause, every credit that he got tonight.

“He’s an amazing player I must say, so mature for his age. This is his moment and it could easily have been his match as well. He made me really run for my money for sure tonight. Amazing performance for someone that is 18 years old that has never had experience of playing on this stage.

“I certainly want to be in his corner, so hopefully he will invite me because we’re going to be seeing a lot of him in the future.”

The signs did not look good for Prizmic when he dropped his opening service game and then took a medical time-out at 2-3 for treatment to his left groin.

An extraordinary match concludes in the most sporting fashion.

The past and present of this game embraces and congratulates the future.

Novak goes through 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4, but young Dino Prizmic leaves a lasting impression.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/E4ZfCb0JcX

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2024

He already had tape on his right arm and could find nothing to hurt Djokovic in the first set, but things began to