Novak Djokovic ensured Dino Prizmic got the applause of the Australian Open crowd after suffering a scare in Melbourne.
The world No 1 won in four sets but was tested all the way by the 18-year-old who was appearing in his first Grand Slam.
Djokovic won the first set 6-2 and it appeared a routine night was on the agenda.
However, it was anything but for the 10-time champion as Prizmic won the next set on a tie-break.
Novak Djokovic told the camera operator to focus on Dino Prizmic instead
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The third set saw multiple breaks of serve as Prizmic threatened to take the lead.
But Djokovic ultimately had too much for his novice opponent.
Djokovic won the third 6-3 and sped towards the finish line in the fourth.
Prizmic wasn’t prepared to let him win easily though and broke the 36-year-old before he eventually won 6-4.
Djokovic had a lengthy chat with Prizmic at the net following his victory.
And he showed his class by ensuring the teenager got the applause of the crowd.
The cameras were focused on Djokovic when he was back at his own bench.
But Djokovic continued to clap his opponent and told the camera operators to instead focus on Prizmic.
He then walked over to Prizmic and told him to walk back out onto the court in order for him to take in the ovation from the Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic said of Prizmic: “He deserved every applause, every credit that he got tonight.
“He’s an amazing player, so mature for his age.”
Prizmic beat Mariano Navone, Duje Ajdukovic and Aziz Dougaz in qualifiers to reach his first major tournament.
Djokovic was seriously impressed with the youngster and predicts him to have a big future in the sport.
He added: “He handled himself on the court incredibly well. This is his moment, honestly.
“It easily could have been his match as well, he was a break up in the third.
“He fought even though he was 4-0 down and a break down for 5-0, he fought.
“He showed great mentality, resilience, he made me really run for money for sure tonight. That’s for sure.
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Novak Djokovic made sure Dino Prizmic received applause from the crowd
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“Honestly I have many, many praises for him, many compliments.
“I love the way he’s using every inch of the court.
“He’s comfortable to come in, he’s defending incredibly well.
“Just amazing performance for someone who’s 18 years old and has never had the experience of playing in a big stadium.
Novak Djokovic beat Dino Prizmic in four sets at the Australian Open
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“Big kudos to him, to his team, to his family and I certainly want to be in his corner.
“So hopefully he will invite me because he’s going to make some big things in his career, that’s for sure.
“We are going to see a lot of him in the future.”
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