The Australian Open has always been known for its thrilling matches and intense competition, but the first round match between Novak Djokovic and Dino Prizmic in 2019 will go down in history as one of the most memorable. Lasting a staggering six hours and five minutes, it became the longest Grand Slam first round match ever played.
Novak Djokovic, a seasoned champion with numerous Grand Slam titles under his belt, faced off against the relatively unknown Croatian player, Dino Prizmic. The match started off with both players displaying exceptional skill and determination. Each set was fiercely contested, with neither player giving an inch.
Djokovic, 36, outlasted 178th-ranked, 18-year-old Croat Dino Prizmic 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 to begin his bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title.
“Obviously, I struggled in many, many different moments tonight, but it was credit to him due to his incredible gameplan,” said Djokovic, who had 40 winners to 49 unforced errors. “He just had an answer for everything. He was very physical.”
Djokovic earned his 29th consecutive Australian Open match victory, but he dropped a set in the first round for just the second time in the last 17 years.
Djokovic made his Grand Slam debut at Melbourne Park in 2005 and has developed a record at the Australian Open that no man can match, with 10 titles here among his unprecedented career haul.
The first set played out just about as expected. From there, it became quite a ride.
Prizmic took the second set off Djokovic and went up a break in the third, stunning a capacity crowd, before the world's No. 1-ranked player broke back and took the set.
Prizmic looked like putting the pressure straight back on Djokovic as he moved 30-0 ahead in the next game, but the world No. 1 won four points in a row to move 5-3 ahead.
With a chance to serve out the set, Djokovic recovered from 0-30 down to clinch it, with the shouts and fist pumps as he walked back to his chair illustrating what a battle it had been.
Djokovic did not relent from there, racing into a 4-0 lead to take control of the fourth set.
Although Prizmic got one break back, and saved four match points to get to 5-4, Djokovic eventually closed out a hard-fought victory.
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