Novak Djokovic faces ‘new reality’ after historic Italian Open upset

ROME (Azat TV) – Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title faced a severe setback on Friday as he suffered a stunning 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 second-round defeat to Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic at the Italian Open. The loss, marking the first time in 19 appearances that the six-time champion has exited Rome in his opening match, signals a deepening crisis for the 38-year-old as he struggles with a new reality of recurring physical ailments and a lack of match sharpness ahead of the French Open.

Returning to the court after a two-month injury layoff since his loss to Jack Draper at Indian Wells in March, Djokovic initially appeared to have found his rhythm, cruising through the opening set. However, the momentum shifted violently in the second set as the world number two began to show visible signs of physical distress. Taping on his right shoulder was revealed during a shirt change, but it was an apparent stomach illness that proved most debilitating. Between points, Djokovic was seen bending over with hands on his knees, moving sluggishly and struggling to maintain the baseline intensity that has defined his career.

Dino Prizmic and the historic Rome upset

The 20-year-old Prizmic, currently ranked 79th in the world, exploited Djokovic’s physical decline with tactical precision. Recognizing the veteran’s lack of mobility, Prizmic employed a series of punishing drop shots that forced Djokovic into uncomfortable sprints. While Djokovic attempted to counter by shortening points with his own drop shots, the tactic frequently backfired against the younger, faster opponent. Prizmic, who had pushed Djokovic to four sets at the 2024 Australian Open, showed significant growth in his firepower and mental fortitude, particularly during a chaotic final set where the Roman crowd vociferously backed the Serbian champion.

Prizmic’s victory is his second top-ten win in two weeks, following a victory over world number six Ben Shelton in Madrid. For Djokovic, the 18-1 record he previously held in Rome opening matches was shattered by a player who once described the Serbian as his idol. After the match, Prizmic wrote a respectful message on the camera lens, acknowledging the honor of playing against the man he grew up watching. The Croatian’s performance confirmed his status as one of the most dangerous rising talents on the ATP tour, having won eight of his past nine matches across qualifying and main draw events.

Novak Djokovic and the physical ‘new reality’

In a somber post-match press conference, Djokovic was candid about the challenges he faces at this stage of his career. He described his current state as a new reality where physical and health issues have become a constant companion during tournament preparations. The 24-time major winner admitted that he is currently missing half a step in his movement, a critical deficit on the demanding red clay. Despite the frustration of performing while physically impaired, Djokovic took full responsibility for his decision to compete, stating that he must adapt to the situation as it stands.

The physical decline observed in Rome is particularly concerning given Djokovic’s recent history. Having been sidelined since March with shoulder issues, the addition of a stomach ailment further complicates his rhythm. He noted that he does not recall a preparation period in the last few years that was entirely free of health complications. This admission suggests that the window for peak performance may be narrowing, even for a player who has redefined athletic longevity in professional tennis.

French Open stakes and the Sinner challenge

The timing of the defeat leaves Djokovic in a precarious position for the French Open, which is scheduled to begin on May 24. Unlike in 2025, when he sought extra match practice by winning the Geneva Open after an early exit in Madrid, Djokovic confirmed he will not enter any tournaments next week. This decision leaves him with only one competitive match on clay heading into Roland Garros. He defended this choice as a definitive decision, despite acknowledging that his current level is not where it needs to be to compete for the title.

The stakes for the upcoming Grand Slam are heightened by the absence of Carlos Alcaraz and the continued dominance of world number one Jannik Sinner. Djokovic is widely viewed as the primary obstacle to Sinner’s ascent to a second consecutive major title, yet his performance in Rome suggests a significant gap in readiness. Without the benefit of a deep run in Italy, the defending champion will arrive in Paris relying heavily on his legendary mental resilience rather than physical momentum. Djokovic’s struggle to find physical consistency at 38 suggests that his path to a 25th major now depends less on his tactical superiority and more on his body’s increasingly unpredictable ability to withstand the rigors of best-of-five-set tennis.