ROME – In a surprising turn of events at the Italian Open, Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, faced defeat at the hands of 20-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prižmić. This match marked Djokovic’s return to competitive tennis after a two-month hiatus due to a right shoulder injury, and it ended with a score of 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, with Prižmić clinching victory with an ace on his first match point.
At 38 years old, Djokovic’s last appearance on the court was in March, where he was eliminated by Jack Draper in the fourth round of the Indian Wells tournament. His shoulder injury was evident, as he was seen with taping during the match, which he revealed while changing shirts between sets.
Despite his struggles, Djokovic chose not to focus on his physical condition, stating he wanted to keep the spotlight on Prižmić. However, he openly expressed his disappointment at only having one match to prepare for the upcoming French Open, which is just around the corner.
Reflecting on the match, Djokovic acknowledged his performance, particularly noting that the second set was forgettable. “I see what I’m missing,” he commented, recognizing that he wasn’t at his optimal level for high-level competition. “Late half a step. I’m not definitely where I want to be for the highest level and to compete at the highest level and to be able to get far.”
Despite the loss, Djokovic remains optimistic about his training, stating, “Eventually you have to play. You have to start somewhere. I wanted to start earlier but I couldn’t. The situation is as it is. You make the most out of it.” He also mentioned that he trains hard within the limits of what his body allows, acknowledging the unpredictability of performance on the court.
When asked about his confidence in being ready for the French Open, Djokovic responded candidly, “I don’t know,” but added with a smile, “I hope so.” His previous performance in 2023 saw him reach the Australian Open final, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz.
Prižmić, currently ranked 79th, had previously lost to Djokovic in a four-set match at the 2024 Australian Open. After their match, Djokovic complimented Prižmić on his improved forehand and expressed confidence that he would achieve great things if he stayed healthy. Prižmić himself acknowledged Djokovic’s influence, stating, “He’s my idol. I just played unbelievably today.”
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