Next week, the ATP 500 level in Rotterdam will witness the debut of the young Croatian player, Dino Prizmic. The organizers have generously granted him a main-draw wild card, allowing him to showcase his talent on this prestigious stage. At just 18 years old, Prizmic has participated in only three ATP tournaments prior to 2024. However, he has now secured his spot in the Australian Open main draw after successfully navigating through three qualifying rounds. This remarkable achievement has propelled him into the spotlight, solidifying his presence in the tennis world.
Dino’s introduction to the Grand Slam tournaments occurred at a remarkably young age, as he made his debut at the Australian Open. Stepping onto the iconic Rod Laver Arena, he faced none other than the legendary 24-time Major winner, Novak Djokovic. This momentous occasion marked Prizmic’s first match at the highest level of professional tennis, a testament to his undeniable talent and potential.
In an impressive display of skill and determination, Dino gave Novak a run for his money in a thrilling four-hour match. Despite ultimately losing 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4, Dino left everything on the court and earned praise from the greatest player of all time.
Dealing with a minor illness, Djokovic was not at his best. However, he managed to break through Dino’s defenses early in the fourth set and ultimately came out on top after seven match points. Novak faced nine break points and was broken four times.
The experienced player managed to convert 40% of return points into eight breaks out of 17 opportunities, securing the victory before expending even more energy against his inspired opponent. Dino dominated the longest rallies in the first three sets, but Novak was able to turn the tables in the fourth, leaving the teenager trailing 15-4.
Novak outperformed Dino in shorter exchanges, gaining a 20-point advantage in that area. Prizmic was forced to take a medical timeout in the first set and struggled to keep up with Djokovic’s pace, resulting in a 6-2 set victory for the Serb in just 42 minutes.
The young player showcased his skills in the second set, going head-to-head with the world’s best for over an hour and proving his mettle. Dino managed to break Novak’s serve in the fourth game, taking a 3-1 lead before Novak fought back and leveled the score.
Both players served well in the remaining games, leading to a tiebreak. Showing great determination, Dino took a commanding 5-2 lead and ultimately won the tiebreak 7-5, equalizing the overall score at 1-1.
The third set was another grueling battle, with both players fighting for nine games over 70 minutes. Each player managed to break serve early on, including a 17-minute fifth game where Prizmic converted his third break point. Djokovic quickly responded and broke back in the next game, saving two break points at 3-3 with impressive winners.
In the following game, Novak won four consecutive points on return, securing a break and taking a 5-3 lead. Serving for the set in the ninth game, Djokovic held his nerve and closed it out at 30, gaining a two-sets-to-one advantage and a significant momentum boost.
Dino’s performance slightly waned in the fourth set, as he suffered two early breaks and found himself trailing 4-0. However, the determined teenager fought back, saving a break point in the fifth game and breaking Novak’s serve in the next one. In the ninth game, Prizmic faced a crucial test, with Djokovic holding four match points. Yet, he showed bravery and denied them with powerful shots.
With the score at 5-4, Novak served for the victory but failed to convert two more match points. Finally, on his seventh opportunity, the defending champion secured the win, commending his young opponent for a valiant effort.