ATP M 1000 ROME. Italy. By Leo Canaparo
Novak Djokovic suffered an unexpected defeat at the Italian Open after losing to Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic in three sets.
The Serbian star was competing for the first time since March and making his clay-court debut of the season after dealing with a shoulder injury that forced him to miss several tournaments.
Djokovic appeared sharp early on and comfortably claimed the opening set, but his level dropped significantly in the second as physical discomfort and fatigue became increasingly visible.
Prizmic, however, played with remarkable confidence and intensity, turning the match around to secure an impressive 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory over one of his childhood idols.
After sealing the biggest win of his career, the 20-year-old wrote “Nole, it was a pleasure” on the camera lens in tribute to the Serbian legend.
Djokovic, a six-time champion in Rome, later confirmed that he does not expect to compete again before the start of French Open on May 24, where he will once again chase a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles crown.
“At the moment, I’m still searching for the level I need to compete consistently at the top,” Djokovic admitted. “Lately it feels like every tournament comes with some kind of physical challenge.”
The 38-year-old reached the semifinals at Roland Garros last season and earlier this year advanced to the final of the Australian Open, where he lost in four sets to Carlos Alcaraz.