Novak Djokovic's age‑shocker. Veteran competitor outplays teenage champion at Australian Open
The Grand Slam Australian Open commenced on Sunday, January 14. The yearly tournament is held on Melbourne's courts and consistently attracts fans, as it did in 2024.
2:03 PM EST, January 14, 2024
We didn't have to wait long to see the world's top-ranked ATP player in action. Novak Djokovic took the Rod Laver Arena on the first day, facing off with Croatian player Dino Prizmić.
Despite being the clear favorite in this match, the Serbian player exerted considerable effort to outplay the 18-year-old. The 2023 junior Roland Garros champion even managed to win a set from the legendary tennis player.
The 36-year-old Djokovic eventually triumphed, winning with a final score of 6:2, 6:7(5), 6:3, 6:4. Following the match, he drew attention to the age gap between himself and Prizmić in an interview.
"When you consider it, I am twice his age. That reality hit hard today," Djoković admitted.
Djoković's comment made the audience smile, including Andrea Agassi himself. Agassi, a former world-ranked number one who won the Australian Open four times, was in Melbourne to present the trophy for this year's winner alongside Ashleigh Barty.
On the other hand, Djokovic is a ten-time champion of the Australian Grand Slam. No other tournament of this magnitude has seen him clinch victory as frequently. The 36-year-old is also defending the title he secured last season.
