Novak Djokovic reflects on his epic first-round victory in the Grand Slam, acknowledging the remarkable performance of his opponent, 18-year-old Dino Prizmic. The match, lasting four hours, showcased Prizmic’s maturity and skill, earning him praise from Djokovicć.
“He deserves every credit, applause, salute he got tonight. An incredible player, at that stage of his career, so mature for his age. This is his moment,” Djokovic remarked, acknowledging the potential of the young talent. Despite securing the win, Djokovic acknowledges the close contest, emphasizing Prizmic’s excellent construction of points and defensive prowess.
“I want to be in his box, I hope he will invite me because I know he will do great things in his career,” Djokovic expressed optimism about Prizmic’s future. Reflecting on his own performance, Djokovic noted the physical demands of the match, admitting to facing challenges, including slippery conditions.
“For someone who is 36 years old, I’m off to a pretty good start. Come to think of it, I’m twice his age. I try to enjoy myself on the field,” Djokovic said, highlighting the enduring enjoyment he finds in the game. Despite moments of struggle, Djokovic remains focused on the positive aspects of his performance and looks forward to the next match.
Acknowledging the presence of his former coach, Andre Agasi, in the audience, Djoković expressed gratitude for the inspiration. Reflecting on a specific game, he humorously stated, “It wasn’t because of you, it was my fault, but you inspired me with your presence.”