No more shadows for Dino Prizmic as he steps into the light

The entire tennis world’s eyes opened wide at the Australian Open last month. Who is the player who dared to take a set off Novak Djokovic in the first round of the Australian Open ? The name is Dino Prizmic, who was admitted to the main draw with a wild card during the ABN AMRO Open this week. The Croatian talent will play against Belgian qualifier David Goffin in the opening round today from 1 p.m.
 

"I am still proud of that match against Novak Djokovic,” says number World No.169 in the ATP rankings. "It was my first match against a world top player and then immediately against the best player in the world. It was really enjoyable on the Center Court in Melbourne.” Prizmic lost to Djokovic in four sets, but the right-handed player stepped out of anonymity. "I have to train more and play more major tournaments to join the world top. Then this wildcard in Rotterdam will of course help me see where I stand. There are only big names at this tournament.”
 

18-year-old Prizmic played two sports in his youth: football and tennis. "I played football for seven years, but you remain dependent on fellow players. Tennis suits me better. I moved from Split to Zagreb because there are more sparring partners there. Now that I've finished school, the focus is entirely on tennis. It was quite difficult at first, when I was away from home for three or four weeks. On the other hand, I enjoy traveling and have played in beautiful locations on the Challenger Tour. My favorite city for now is Stockholm.’ That doesn't seem to be a coincidence, because Prizmic was doing well in the Swedish city. He reached the main tournament through the qualifications. After a victory over Jiri Lehecka, the second round was his final stop.
 

His muscular thighs have made a big impression, but Prizmic remains down-to-earth under the compliments: "That is in the genes and perhaps it is due to my background in football. In fact, some people say I'm not a typical tennis player.”