Defending Champion Djokovic Fends Off First-Timer Prizmic in 4 Hours to Advance in Australia

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning the third set against Croatia's Dino Prizmic during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 14, 2024. Andy Wong/AP Photo

MELBOURNE, Australia—Until he took on defending champion Novak Djokovic at Rod Laver Arena on opening Sunday in Australia, Dino Prizmic had never played a Grand Slam match.

The 18-year-old Croatian qualifier, who was born seven months after Djokovic made his Grand Slam debut in 2005, made it last as long as he could. He unsettled the 24-time major winner before Djokovic finished off the match 6–2, 6–7 (5), 6–3, 6–4.