Djokovic’s praise lingers as Prizmic charts his own path in Jeddah
“I love the way he uses every inch of the court. He is comfortable coming in, he defends incredibly well… I felt I was playing myself in a mirror.”
When praise like that comes from Novak Djokovic, it tends to linger. For Dino Prizmic, it arrived early and emphatically in a career still in its opening chapters.
At last year’s Australian Open, the 20-year-old Croatian pushed Djokovic to four sets in their first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting, earning the admiration of the former World No. 1. Eighteen months later, Luciano Darderi echoed those sentiments after beating Prizmic in the quarter-finals of the ATP 250 in Umag.
“I hope he’s going to be Top 10 really soon,” Darderi said. “I think Croatia is in good hands.”
This week in Jeddah, where Prizmic is competing at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, those endorsements remain a source of motivation rather than pressure.
“It’s a really good feeling, but I know that I need to work a lot, especially to be in the Top 10,” Prizmic told ATPTour.com in Jeddah. “I need to continue to play lots of tournaments at a very high level to get near those levels, but I will try.
“Is there a pressure? No, definitely more confidence. There is no pressure in that part.”
Prizmic first announced himself in 2023 by lifting the Roland Garros boys’ singles trophy, fulfilling a personal goal to finish his junior career with a Grand Slam title. His breakout moment soon followed under the lights of Rod Laver Arena, where he stood toe-to-toe with Djokovic on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
But momentum stalled in 2024. A series of injuries forced Prizmic off course, limiting his schedule and disrupting his rhythm. Rather than rush his return, the Croatian opted for patience, a decision that paid dividends this season.
“It was really a great year for me, especially at the end of the year. I played very well and had a very good run,” Prizmic said. “It’s really a pleasure to be here in Jeddah and to be part of this tournament.
“I didn’t play lots of tournaments because I was injured still a little. I played like 15, 16 tournaments. And I’m the most proud because I didn’t play many tournaments, but when I played, I played very good.”
[ATP APP]Back at full health, Prizmic rebuilt his confidence on the ATP Challenger Tour, capturing two titles in 2025. He also qualified for the US Open main draw and claimed three tour-level victories, tangible signs of progress as he continues his transition to the professional ranks.
“Players have more experience now, which is normal. But I think I am adjusting to the level,” said Prizmic, who went 27-9 at that level this year. “Playing the Challengers compared to juniors is different, but I think everyone can adapt.”
That adaptability will be tested again this week in Jeddah. After losing to Nishesh Basavareddy in his opening match, Prizmic faces a likely must-win encounter against Justin Engel on Thursday as he looks to keep his campaign alive.
Still just 20, the Croatian remains focused on steady growth rather than fast-forwarded expectations. The praise is there. The talent is evident. And while the road ahead may twist, the Croatian appears ready for each course correction.
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