Mixed bag for champs

Novak Djokovic returns to Croatia’s Dino Prizmic while Aryna Sabalenka (right) returns to Germany’s Ella Seidelin Melbourne yesterday. Pics/AFP

An error-strewn Novak Djokovic kickstarted his bid for an 11th Australian Open and unprecedented 25th Grand Slam crown in unconvincing fashion on Sunday, dropping a set to "incredible" teenage qualifier Dino Prizmic. On the other hand, women's champion Aryna Sabalenka steamrolled her way into the second round with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Germany's Ella Seidel.

Djokovic struggled to impose himself on the confident Croat on Rod Laver Arena before finally taming the 18-year-old 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-4 after a four-hour marathon. While far from his best, the World No. 1 showed no sign of the right wrist problem that hampered his build-up. "Well, I started off very well for a 36-year-old guy. But, geez, when you think about it, I'm double his age," Djokovic said.

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"But credit to him, he had an incredible game plan, he had an answer to everything. I had some good moments and other moments I wish I could have played better." If Djokovic win the title here again, he will pass Australian Margaret Court's all-time Slam record and join Court (Australian Open) and Rafael Nadal (French Open) in winning 11 times at a single major.

Victory stretched his record at Melbourne Park to 90-8 but he was troubled by Prizmic's speed and booming baseline play, which forced many uncharacteristic errors in a match many thought would be a cruise. "He deserves every applause. It's amazing to see someone so mature for his age. He handled himself on the court incredibly well. This is his moment, honestly. We are going to see a lot of him in the future," said Djokovic about the Croat who is the current French Open boys' champion. Moments later, Sabalenka was in a different class, beating Seidel in just 53 minutes. Seidel won only 10 points in a 22-minute first set demolition. The wasn't any better.

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