Novak Djokovic makes ‘mirror’ admission as he hails Dino Prizmic after Australian Open battle

Novak Djokovic and Dino Prizmic at the net

Novak Djokovic has revealed he felt like he was “playing myself in the mirror for a little bit” in his gruelling first round win over Dino Prizmic at the 2024 Australian Open.

The Serbian great admitted Prizmic surprised him with his “amazing” performance and he backed the 18-year-old Croatian to do “great things” in the sport.

Djokovic prevailed 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 over Prizmic in a four-hour opening round contest on the first day of the 2024 Australian Open on Sunday in the longest first round Grand Slam match of his career.

The 36-year-old, who is a 10-time Australian Open champion and undefeated at the event since 2018, was pushed hard by the qualifier and world No 178.

The world No 1 trailed by a break at 2-3 in the third set, before winning eight straight games to take the set and build a 4-0 fourth set lead. Prizmic then battled back to 4-5 and saved six match points, before Djokovic sealed a hard-fought victory.

Speaking to Eurosport after his triumph, Djokovic was full of praise for Prizmic’s display and suggested he recognised some of his own qualities in the 18-year-old.

“Exhausted, it was a very physical battle. Credit to Dino for playing amazing match for an 18-year-old boy that’s never had Centre Court Grand Slam experience – his debut in the main draw in any any Grand Slam. Just amazing, I’m very impressed,” Djokovic said.

“Physically, he looks very strong. I heard that he’s very disciplined, he’s a very big hard worker, dedicated to this sport. You can see that he’s got so much potential, he’s only going to grow from here, I think in his game and his confidence. I definitely want to be in his corner because I think he’s going to do great things.

“He’s got everything in his arsenal that he needs, all-round player. But he can still improve of course. The way that he’s mentally present on the court, I really liked a lot. He never gave up, even when it was 4-0 down in the fourth. He just kept going.

“It felt like playing myself in the mirror for a little bit to be honest. There was some exchanges in the third set, he was a break up and it was so difficult to go through him.

“He’s defending incredibly well, he uses his forehand, backhand as well, super solid. No weaknesses really. Serve is very good, can be better. But you know, as I said he’s only 18 and he’s got so much time ahead of him.

“He did surprise me with his performance, I knew that he was playing well because I’ve obviously talked with my coach Goran [Ivanisevic], who knows him well. But I never had a chance to meet with him in person.

“I did tell him at the net that he should be proud of himself, he’s a great player. Wonderful things are ahead of him in his career.”

The 24-time major champion also touched on the fact 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios, who is currently out of action due to injury, commentated on the match.

“It’s great to have him around, he’s one of the most popular tennis players, brings a lot of new fans and he’s exciting to watch, to talk to as well,” the Serbian added.

“I don’t know if he enjoys these kinds of matches, four hours – I mean I wish I had his serve at points tonight, that would have helped.”