Novak Djokovic Exits Italian Open, Losing To Dino Prizmic In Opening Round

 

Novak Djokovic returned to the court at the Italian Open, losing to Dino Prizmic in a stunning three-setter in the opening round as the Croatian player rallied from a set down to win. 

Prizmic claimed the victory in a comeback after losing the opening set, winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. It was their second time meeting, and the first time Prizmic would beat Djokovic. However, it was not the first time Djokovic would drop a set against him. In their previous clash at last year's Australian Open, Djokovic dropped the second set before rallying to beat the Croatian in four sets. 

The Serb had been out of action for three consecutive tournaments due to injury. He suffered an early exit from the Indian Wells Masters after losing Round of 16 clash with Jack Draper. His longest run was at the Australian Open, where he reached the final, losing to Carlos Alcaraz. 

"I'm definitely not where I want to be," Djokovic lamented, recalling feeling unwell in the second set. "I don't recall last time I had a preparation where I didn't have any kind of physical issues or health issues coming into the tournament.

Notwithstanding, Prizmic delivered a standout performance. Djokovic was at the mercy of the Croatians' fierceness at deploying drop shots, and his response was quick and athletic enough to force the former six-time champion, 

After a slow start in the opening set, Prizmic began to build momentum. He broke for the second time in the eleventh game, taking a 4-love lead before winning the second set to level. The decider was tense, and the Croatian had to dig deeper.  He broke for the last time at 2-2 before serving out to claim the match point.