Qualifier Dino Prizmic surprised Novak Djokovic within the Serb’s opening match on the Italian Open.
Dino Prizmic shocked Novak Djokovic on the Italian Open (Picture: Tennis TV)
Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic earned the most important win of his younger profession as he shocked six-time former champion Novak Djokovic on the Italian Open. Djokovic stormed by the opening set, however all of the sudden regarded unwell through the second, and the 20-year-old was in a position to power a decider. There, Prizmic held his nerve to say a sensational 2-6 6-2 6-4 comeback victory.
It was Prizmic’s second assembly with Djokovic. Two years in the past, on his Grand Slam debut on the Australian Open, a teenage Prizmic took a set off the 24-time Main champion earlier than dropping in 4. On the time, Djokovic piled reward on the younger Croat and stated he wished to be in his nook transferring ahead.
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And it seems that he has been supporting him. Djokovic was all smiles as he embraced the world No. 79 on the internet in Rome, and Prizmic later defined that his “idol” had been happy to see his enchancment after giving him some pointers in Melbourne a few years in the past.
“He informed me that he thought I used to be significantly better in my motion. He’s very comfortable as a result of additionally after I performed in opposition to him at AO, he informed me a number of issues, so I’ve large respect for him for that,” the qualifier informed Sky Sports activities instantly after beating Djokovic.
“I imply, after the match in opposition to Novak at AO, plenty of issues occurred with my damage, so perhaps I used to be not prepared for this huge stage. However now I really feel excellent, so yeah, simply need to hold going, and that’s it.”
Prizmic made certain to point out his respect to Djokovic after beating the six-time former champion in Rome. He wrote: “Nole it was a pleasure!!” on the digital camera lens, and was speechless whereas talking courtside.
“I imply, for me now, it’s exhausting to say. I simply say now it’s huge respect for Novak, he’s my idol, so yeah, it was undoubtedly an incredible match for me right this moment. I performed unbelievable, so I simply need to keep targeted and to be prepared for the following one,” the 20-year-old stated.
Dino Prizmic paid tribute to Novak Djokovic when he signed the digital camera lens (Picture: Tennis TV)
“Yeah… however first set, he performed unbelievable. I used to be like, ‘Okay, I’ll simply attempt one thing to vary’, and it labored. However undoubtedly, he performed a very, actually unbelievable first set, and ultimately of the second set, I attempted to search out my recreation and I did it. So yeah, it’s very, very, very, good, yeah.”
Djokovic spoke to reporters instantly after his opening-round exit and in addition mirrored on that 2024 Aussie Open assembly with Prizmic. “He’s an incredible competitor, nice fighter, an incredible child. I’ve recognized him for some years. Clearly we converse the identical language, so I at all times want him all one of the best,” he defined.
“As we speak he has undoubtedly carried out a high-level tennis. I informed him on the internet that his forehand improved quite a bit. No matter he has been doing along with his workforce is understanding properly. He ought to simply hold going.
“I believed additionally two, two and a half years in the past once we performed in Australia I feel first spherical, I believed that he possesses plenty of expertise and potential. Hopefully he can keep wholesome as a result of I do know he struggled quite a bit with accidents. If issues come collectively, he can actually go far within the rankings.”
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