Novak Djokovic suffered a stunning second-round defeat at the Italian Open on Friday, falling to 20-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 in what marks an unprecedented setback for the Serbian star in Rome.
The loss represents the first time in 19 appearances that the six-time champion has been eliminated in his opening match at the tournament
Djokovic, currently ranked fourth in the world, was competing for the first time since his fourth-round exit at Indian Wells in March, having withdrawn from events in Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid whilst recovering from a shoulder injury.
Furthermore, after speaking to the media following the defeat, the Serbian admitted he does not know if he will be ready for the gruelling test ahead of him at the French Open.
Novak Djokovic has admitted he does not know if he is ready for the French Open
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REUTERS
The opening set proved comfortable for Djokovic, who wrapped it up in approximately 40 minutes after breaking his opponent’s serve twice whilst dominating the longer exchanges.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically as the second set began, with Prizmic breaking to love immediately before racing into a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Djokovic appeared increasingly troubled physically as the match progressed, visibly grimacing and taking pills for what seemed to be stomach discomfort.
The world number 79 carried his confidence into the decider, securing a crucial break at 2-2 before holding his nerve to close out the victory with an ace after two hours and 15 minutes.
Prior to the match, Djokovic had acknowledged his concerns about his physical condition, stating: “I am not the happiest with the level of tennis or the movement or the physical state, but it is getting there.”
Novak Djokovic has acknowledged his concerns about his physical condition
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REUTERS
The 38-year-old explained that he had hoped to return to competition earlier but was forced to manage his recovery carefully.
Following the defeat, Djokovic was candid about his limitations, admitting he was “late half a step” and not where he needed to be to compete at the highest level.
When asked whether he would be fit for Roland Garros, the 24-time Grand Slam champion offered an uncertain response: “I don’t know, I hope so.”
Prizmic spoke with evident emotion about defeating his childhood hero, telling interviewers: “For me, it is hard to [know what to] say.
“I have big respect for Novak. He is my idol, so it was a great match for me today.”
Novak Djokovic admitted he does not know if he will be fit for the French Open
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REUTERS
The young Croatian added that Djokovic had offered encouragement after the match, telling him his forehand had improved significantly and predicting he could achieve great things if he remains injury-free.
Prizmic arrives in Rome with growing momentum, having claimed his first top-ten scalp against Ben Shelton at the Madrid Open last month.
The defeat leaves Djokovic with just one clay-court match under his belt ahead of the French Open, which commences on 24 May.
