In a stunning upset at the Italian Open in Rome, Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic delivered a shocking defeat to Novak Djokovic, handing the Serbian superstar his first-ever opening-round loss at this prestigious tournament. Prizmic, only 20 years old, managed to stay composed under pressure, clinching the match 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, marking a historical moment as the first Croatian to defeat Djokovic on clay.
Prizmic expressed his admiration for Djokovic post-match, stating, “I have big respect for Novak. He is my idol, so it was a great match for me today.” The young player showcased impressive resilience, finding his rhythm after a rough start in the first set, which he credits to Djokovic’s dominant play.
Despite beginning the match with a strong performance, Djokovic struggled with an illness that affected his stamina as the match progressed. The former world No. 1, who had not played since his loss to Jack Draper at Indian Wells in March, exhibited signs of discomfort, even vomiting on the court during the contest. Nonetheless, he remained gracious in defeat, congratulating Prizmic and thanking the crowd for their unwavering support.
Djokovic noted, “I want to congratulate Dino. Deservedly the winner today. It’s all right. I’m pleased at least that I fought till the end.” After the match, he decided not to participate in any further clay-court events before heading to Roland Garros, which starts on May 24. Reflecting on his preparations, he acknowledged, “It’s not an ideal preparation, to be honest.”
Entering the match with an unblemished record of 18-0 in Rome openers, Djokovic initially appeared in control. He secured the first set comfortably, but once Prizmic settled into the match, he became increasingly formidable. The turning point came midway through the second set when Djokovic faced physical challenges that ultimately hindered his performance.
Prizmic seized his opportunity, breaking Djokovic’s serve and demonstrating impressive shot-making. After losing the second set, Djokovic, despite a desperate effort, struggled to regain his momentum in the deciding set. Prizmic’s determination paid off as he broke Djokovic’s serve to take a crucial 3-2 lead, enabling him to maintain control until the end.
Ultimately, what set Prizmic apart was his ability to fend off Djokovic’s renowned returns, as he executed a series of powerful shots that not only outmatched Djokovic’s defenses but also showcased his potential as a rising star in the sport. With this victory, Prizmic makes headlines not just for defeating a champion but for establishing himself as a player to watch in future tournaments.
Looking ahead, Prizmic will now face either Ugo Humbert or Vit Kopriva in the next round, while Djokovic, at nearly 39 years old, must recalibrate his approach as he prepares for the challenges that await him at Roland Garros. Both players have important paths ahead, promising an exciting season in men’s tennis.
