Novak Djokovic likes to set records and after his first match in defence of his Australian Open title, he can add another to his tally, namely having played his longest ever first round match.
He made me really run for my money for sure Novak Djokovic
He took four-hours and one-minute to defeat Dino Przmic, an 18-year-old Croat who came through qualifying, to face the world No.1 in the main draw, and battled with him hard before capitulating 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4.
As the 2023 French Open Junior champion, Przmic matched the 10-time Aussie champion taking full advantage no doubt, of having had three good matches in the qualies whilst the top seed was still not fully warmed up and had experienced wrist problems during the United Cup competition at the start of the year.
On paper, Djokovic was expected to cruise past his first-round opponent and for a few moments in the first set, that looked to be the case. He broke the teenager in the opening game and saw his opponent receive treatment to his left thigh.
He broke again and went on to pocket the set – Djokovic was well on the way into the second round!
But Przmic hadn’t read the script. He shrugged aside the opening set and surprised Djokovic with some brilliant play to break the Serb and take a 3-1 lead in the second, which he immediately lost.
Burt a doggedness was apparent in the youngster who matched Djokovic throughout the set and then surged ahead in the inevitable tie-break, leaping into a 6-2 lead and while Djokovic slowly clawed his way back to trail 5-6 only to make an uncharacteristic forehand error to give Przmic the second set.
Errors continued to marr Djokovic’s game. However he broke for 2-0 but couldn’t shake off his opponent who struck back after claiming a 25-shot rally and in the 16-minute fourth game involving seven deuces, , he was broken again but he then levelled for 3-3.
The Serb still had to work hard but managed to steal the third set.
Having established a 2-sets to 1 lead, Djokovic looked determined to get the job done quickly and immediately took control of the fourth set by establishing a 4-0 lead but terrier like, Przmic clawed his way back,saving four match points and maintaining pressure on the defending champion to get to 5-4. Djokovic finally close it out in the next game and no doubt, let out a big breath of relief.
But he acknowledged a great performance by the teenager during his on court interview.
Dino Prizmic made a huge impact
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
“Just amazing performance for someone that is 18 years old, had never had an experience of playing on a big stage,” Djokovic said.
“He deserved every applause, every credit that he got tonight, he’s amazing player, I must say, so mature for his age.
“He handled himself on the court incredibly well. This is his moment, honestly. He could have easily been his match as well.
“He made me really run for my money for sure.”
Having expressed his admiration for Przmic’s performance, Djokovic rather undermined his comments when, during the post-match press conference, he revealed he had been unwell!
“I am a bit under the weather, the last four, five days; you can probably judge by my voice,” he said.
“It is what it is, you just have to try to deal with it and get over it and accept the circumstances and try to make the most of it.”
Andrey Rublev had his problems, including the umpire
(Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
Another close call was felt by Andrey Rublev who was taken to five gruelling sets by Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild with the Russian eventually progressing 7-5 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-6(6).
The fifth seed, who had previously lost to the Brazilian in Melbourne, was tense throughout the match and even had run-in with the umpire who asked him to speed up between serves.
“You start the shot clock when I do not have all the balls on my side,” he pointed out. “No, she [the ball kid] was throwing the ball.”
To which the umpire responded: “You had enough balls.”
A point followed, after which Rublev walked over and continued the exchange.
“By the rules, I have to have six balls and it is not for you to decide!
“I’m not telling you how to call the out, so don’t tell me how many balls.”
Jannik Sinner had a comfortable start
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Italy’s Jannik Sinner, seeded fourth, was a more comfortable winner as he took out the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4 7-5 6-3, but it was his ‘Carrot Boy’ supporters who attracted the most attention.
The group of six decided to dress as carrots when they saw the 22-year-old eat one during a changeover during a match in Vienna 2019 and have followed him around in that guise ever since.
“They are getting more famous than I am,” Sinner admitted.
“It feels good. I was not expecting them to come here, but it’s nice to see them in the stands,” Sinner added.
“We have made some great memories together, with all the support they give me.
“Maybe this support gives me in the key moments this extra belief maybe.”
As regards the match itself, Sinner said: “My first match of the season and it means a lot to start off with a win,
“Physically, I feel good in good shape. The first round is never easy so I can be happy with today.”
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