Novak Djokovic impressed by Dino Prizmic as he’s pushed to the longest first-round match of his profession at a Grand Slam, the world No 1 profitable in 4 hours and one minute, ‘He went on the market not desirous to play a pleasant set , however to win. I felt at one level that I used to be enjoying in a mirror”
14:56 UK Sunday 14 January 2024
Novak Djokovic stated he felt “below the climate” as he averted a extreme problem from “wonderful” teenager Dino Prizmic within the first spherical of the Australian Open.
World No. 1 Djokovic, chasing his 25th Grand Slam title and 11th in Melbourne, finally defeated 18-year-old Croatian Prizmic 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-Three 6 -Four in 4 hours and one minute.
The match was Djokovic’s longest within the first spherical of a Slam, and whereas he revealed he was not at 100 per cent, he took nothing from his opponent, saying it was like “enjoying myself within the mirror ,” whereas hailing Prismic’s rookie mentality and maturity.
The Serb, who has now received 29 consecutive Australian Open matches, stated: “I am a bit below the climate, [I have been for the last] 4 or 5 days. You’ll be able to in all probability choose by my voice.
“It’s what it’s. You simply should attempt to cope, recover from it, settle for the circumstances and attempt to take advantage of it.
“I had a tremendous opponent. For an 18-year-old, he performed so maturely and confidently on the court docket, preventing to the top, not giving up even when he was 4 years outdated. [love] down within the fourth set.
Djokovic: Prizmic has a really shiny profession forward of him
“[I was] impressed by his mentality, his method, his sport. He went on the market not desirous to play a pleasant set or benefit from the expertise, however slightly to win.
“I hear a number of constructive tales about his self-discipline, his dedication to the every day routines that make him so bodily robust, already at 18, and profitable.
“If he continues on this manner, he may have a really shiny profession forward of him.”
“There have been some grueling rallies, it was a really bodily sport. I felt at one level that I used to be already enjoying in a mirror.
“I heard he favored to look at me when he was rising up [and] he has unimaginable protection, particularly on the again finish, and a whole sport.”
Djokovic will face an Australian within the second spherical on Wednesday, both Alexei Popyrin or Marc Polmans.
Requested how he’ll put together between at times, Djokovic stated: “I’ll speak to my group, see if I can skip coaching. [on Monday].
“I would do some gentle work, fitness center, jogging, some particular workouts simply to maintain my physique in form.
“I believe now, two days in, it is fairly helpful after enjoying a four-hour opening spherical. Let’s examine how I get up tomorrow after which we’ll play it by ear.”
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