Under-par Djokovic Takes First Step Towards Grand Slam History
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published January 15, 2024 | 01:00 AM
Melbourne, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jan, 2024) Novak Djokovic survived a fierce test against teenager Dino Prizmic at the Australian Open Sunday as he launched his bid for a historic 25th Grand Slam, but defending women's champion Aryna Sabalenka destroyed her opponent 6-0, 6-1.
World number one Djokovic, who is gunning for an 11th Australian Open title to pull clear of Margaret Court on the all-time list of majors, won 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4.
The Serbian, with 24 Slams under his belt, is already the most decorated player in the men's game -- two clear of the injured Rafael Nadal and four ahead of the retired Roger Federer.
The 36-year-old -- now boasting a 29-match winning run in Melbourne -- was expected to breeze through against Croatia's Prizmic, who is half his age.
But after coasting to the first set he was given a searching examination by the youngster, who levelled the match in a tie-break.
The Croatian qualifier threatened to pull away in the third set but the veteran rallied from 3-2 down, reeling off the next eight games to seize control and he was able to snuff out another late fightback.
"He deserved every applause, every credit that he got tonight," Djokovic after Prizmic left the court to a standing ovation from the Melbourne crowd.
"He's an amazing player, so mature for his age and he handled himself on the court incredibly well. This is his moment, honestly. It could easily have been his match as well."
Djokovic will play either Marc Polmans or Alexei Popyrin, both Australians, in the second round but will be keen to iron out the kinks after an uncharacteristically sloppy display, which included 49 unforced errors.
Women's second seed Sabalenka took to the court after 11:30 pm, determined to wrap things up quickly and she demolished German qualifier Ella Seidel.
The Belarusian world number two, clad in striking red on the blue court, raced through the first set 6-0 in just 22 minutes.
She was denied a rare "double-bagel" but made no mistake on her own serve to seal victory in 53 minutes.
"Super happy to be back in Melbourne -- I have incredible memories from here," said the 25-year-old.
"Hopefully I can stay here till the very last day."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Sharjah Animation Conference explores cross-cultural collaboration opportunities ..
Sharjah Public Library provides countless opportunities for young imaginations t ..
Sharjah Police launches 'Your belongings, your responsibility' awareness campaig ..
Dubai Police displays Innovative Tourism Security Services at 'ATM 2024'
Mohammad Haris, Aamir Jamal not part of national squad for Ireland, England: Bab ..
Erdogan opens former church to Muslim worshippers
Cultural events hallmark of a nation, Director RAC
Iraq hangs 11 convicted of 'terrorism': security, health sources
Stocks rise on renewed hopes of rate cuts
PM assures all-out support to Saudi investment
S.Africa building collapse traps 48 workers: city hall
Nilofar lauds efforts for development of national document aimed promoting balan ..
More Stories From World
-
Victor Wembanyama of France named NBA Rookie of the Year
2 minutes ago -
No letup yet for flood-battered southern Brazil
22 minutes ago -
Football: Italian Serie A results - collated
6 hours ago -
Football: Italian Serie A table
6 hours ago -
Atalanta climb into Serie A top five ahead of Marseille decider
6 hours ago -
Jones frustrates Wilson's quest to win World Snooker final
6 hours ago
-
No let up yet for flood-battered south Brazil
8 hours ago -
Serie A blasts plans for government football finance body
8 hours ago -
Prophet's Mosque accommodates over 4.2 million worshippers last week
8 hours ago -
UN experts slams Israel’s ‘sexual assault and violence’ against women, children in Gaza
8 hours ago -
Merlier pips Milan to Giro third stage, bold Pogacar holds lead
8 hours ago -
Sharjah Animation Conference explores cross-cultural collaboration opportunities, highlights new pro ..
8 hours ago