Overview
- Novak Djokovic lost 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 to Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic in Rome on Friday, marking his first opening-match defeat at the Italian Open in 19 appearances.
- Returning from a March right-shoulder injury, Djokovic played with visible taping and appeared unwell in the second set, though he refused to discuss specific physical issues afterward.
- Djokovic confirmed he will skip any further tune-ups and head straight to Paris, which leaves him with only one clay-court match in his 2026 preparation.
- Prizmic, a 20-year-old ranked No. 79, built on a recent win over world No. 6 Ben Shelton and advanced to the third round with the biggest victory of his career.
- The loss comes at a venue where Djokovic has six titles, and it raises fresh questions about the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s form as he pursues a record 25th major at Roland Garros.