Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise 2-6 6-2 6-4 defeat to qualifier Dino Prizmic at the Italian Open in Rome, his first match on clay this season and first since a March shoulder injury. With Djokovic electing to skip further tune-ups before Roland Garros, the loss amplifies concerns about his clay readiness and sets up a delicate countdown to Paris as he chases a record 25th Grand Slam.
Djokovic stunned by qualifier Prizmic in Rome
Novak Djokovic exited the Italian Open in the second round after a 2-6 6-2 6-4 loss to 20-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic. It was Djokovic's first tennis match since 12 March and his first clay outing of the season, a stark backdrop to a defeat that matters far beyond one ATP event.
Scoreline and immediate context
Djokovic, a six-time Rome champion, started strongly and wrapped up the opening set with authority. But Prizmic responded with aggressive serving and a heavy forehand, overturning the match and sealing the biggest win of his young career. The Serb acknowledged he was not at full capacity, confirming he will not play another match before the French Open begins on 24 May.
What happened on court
Djokovic dropped just three points behind serve in the first set, dictating play with his returning and precision. The momentum swung in the second as Prizmic produced 13 winners and won four games in a row. Djokovic appeared laboured and resorted to shortening points with drop shots, yet Prizmic tracked them down and stayed on top of the baseline exchanges. After a brief break between sets, Djokovic looked livelier early in the decider, but Prizmic kept pressing, broke for 3-2 and held to close out victory with an ace.
Dino Prizmic: rising profile and recent form
Prizmic’s win in Rome is back-to-back top-10 scalps within weeks — he beat world No.6 Ben Shelton in Madrid last month — and underlines his rapid ascent. The Croatian, a former boys’ Roland Garros champion, combines a big serve with a heavy groundstroke game well-suited to clay. After the match he acknowledged Djokovic’s influence on his game, even writing “Nole it was a pleasure” on the camera lens.
Why this result matters
The defeat spotlights two intertwined issues for Djokovic: physical readiness and match sharpness on clay. He injured his shoulder in Indian Wells in March, skipped Geneva where he has history, and has now played only one clay match before Roland Garros. At 38 — turning 39 two days before the French Open — Djokovic’s margin for error narrows when preparation is interrupted.
Implications for Roland Garros title chase
A Grand Slam campaign is different from a tour week, and Djokovic has repeatedly shown he can elevate his level at majors. Still, entering Paris with minimal clay time and lingering injury or illness concerns is not ideal. The loss in Rome increases the importance of a favorable early draw and a cautious build-up in the opening rounds to regain rhythm without overexertion.
What to watch next
Prizmic will head into Rome’s later rounds buoyed by confidence and a game that translates well to Roland Garros. For Djokovic, attention now turns to recovery management and tactical preparation rather than adding match minutes. Expect his team to prioritize fitness and targeted practice over additional tournaments, while fans and analysts will be keen to see how the world No.4 adapts in Paris when the pressure and stakes rise.
Bottom line
This defeat is a meaningful headline for both players: Prizmic confirms his readiness to challenge elite opponents on clay, while Djokovic faces renewed questions about his late-season preparation and how he will recalibrate en route to a potential 25th major.
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The coming weeks will tell whether this is a minor stumble or an early warning for Roland Garros.
The Bbc
