Djokovic Falls to Prizmic in Italian Open Upset

Novak Djokovic lost to qualifier Dino Prizmic at the Italian Open. This was Djokovic's first match since March 12. He was playing on clay for the first time this year. A shoulder injury kept him out of several tournaments. Six-time Rome champion Djokovic started well. However, he appeared unwell in the second set. Prizmic, from Croatia, played with courage. He defeated the Serbian world number four with scores of 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. Prizmic, aged 20, sees Djokovic as an idol. After the match, he wrote "Nole, it was a pleasure" on the camera lens. Djokovic received a bye in the first round. He stated he will not play again before the French Open. This tournament starts on May 24. He aims for his record 25th Grand Slam singles title there. "I'm not definitely where I want to be," the 38-year-old said. "My preparation always has some physical issues." He called this a "new reality" he must face. Djokovic reached the Australian Open final in January. He lost to Carlos Alcaraz in four sets. The French Open begins just before his 39th birthday. Prizmic was only two years old when Djokovic won his first Grand Slam. Djokovic had beaten Prizmic at the 2024 Australian Open. He described playing Prizmic then as "like playing myself in a mirror." In Rome, Djokovic started stronger. He won the first set quickly. Prizmic used his strong serve and forehand. He won four games in a row in the second set. Djokovic moved slowly on the court's baseline. He used drop shots to shorten rallies. Prizmic matched his shots. He hit 13 winners. This forced a deciding third set. Both players left the court before the third set. Djokovic seemed to have more energy initially. Prizmic maintained his strong play. He chased down Djokovic's drop shots. He broke Djokovic's serve for a 3-2 lead. Djokovic missed a volley. He yelled in frustration at the final changeover. Prizmic remained calm serving for the match. He hit an ace to secure his victory. This is Prizmic's second top-10 win in two weeks. He beat Ben Shelton, world number six, last month. Djokovic commented, "I don't think I played so badly." He called it a "good battle." Tennis correspondent Russell Fuller noted Prizmic was a junior champion at the French Open three years ago. He took advantage when Djokovic's level dropped. Djokovic's preparation was hampered by a March shoulder injury. He won his 100th title last year in Geneva. He chose not to play there this year. He will enter the French Open with only one clay match. He hopes for a favourable draw to regain sharpness.