Australian Open: Djokovic survives fright night against Croatian teen

Novak Djokovic said his biggest threat at the Australian Open was himself. He forgot to mention someone.

Top seed Novak Djokovic hits a return against Croatia's Dino Prizmic on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night Picture: AFP

Novak Djokovic is bullish. Saying the only bloke he can lose to is himself. What a sledge of Carlos Alcaraz, Alex de Minaur and every other player at the Australian Open. I guess you’re entitled to talk yourself up when you’re the king of Melbourne Park.

There was someone Djokovic forgot to mention as a threat. Dino Prizmic.

The world No.1 huffed, puffed and did just enough to sneak past the Croatian teenager 6-2, 6-7 (5-7) 6-3, 6-4 in a heavy-hitting dogfight on Sunday night that hung in the balance until late in the third set.

A packed house inside Rod Laver Arena was in thrall and full voice. There was a surly air about Djokovic until he kicked clear as the clocked ticked past 11pm.

It was a proper battle.

The 18-year old Prizmic is the French Open junior champion. A qualifier. Just 18 years of age.

His tight shorts brought to mind John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors in the 1980s, or an AFL game next door at the MCG. He let rip with 160km/h forehands, rock-solid backhands and exuded incredible confidence, poise and bravado in his first match on a marquee court against a legendary player. Djokovic avoided an unthinkable upset but it took four hours of hard yakka.

The 36-year-old gives hope to every athlete wanting to press on towards 40.

He’s still quick, even if he reckons he’s lost a little pace. His stamina is undoubted. He’s meticulous about diet and fitness. He’s agile, strong and healthy enough to make the most of his reservoir of experience.

Father Time will end up beating Djokovic but it won’t happen at this Open. There’s no F. Time in the draw.

Croatian Dino Prizmic gave Novak Djokovic a fright in their opening round match of the Australian Open Picture: AFP

The Serb’s pre-tournament reluctance to acknowledge his peers hinted at a siege mentality against the younger brigade. He knows they’re coming after him.

The 20-year-old Alcaraz and Holger Rune, 22-year-old Jannik Sinner and even the 24-year-old de Minaur are desperate to take him down.

To nominate his only threat as “myself” is to proclaim the kingdom is not yet up got grabs. Either that, or he’s talking tough because he’s feeling vulnerable.

It was Djokovic’s second consecutive unconvincing performance. When he succumbed in straight sets to de Minaur at the United Cup, he offered no kind words of congratulations at the net, quickly shaking hands and walking away. His next assignment will be against the winner of Monday’s all-Australian battle between Alexei Popyrin and Marc Polmans.

Djokovic began the match dressed as if he wanted to be camouflaged.

Blue shoes, blue socks, blue shorts, blue shirt and one blue sweatband. He went for a white shirt midway through the third set and came good.

He trailed by a break at 2-3, and faced more break points at 3-all, but survived fright night and then thrived with trademark ruthlessness. The fourth set was vintage Djokovic. He was authoritative and relentless.

Walked around with a bit of a swagger. Razzed up the crowd. Got the job done. Prizmic didn’t beat him. Nor did he beat himself.