The excitement at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome is palpable as top seeds begin their campaigns, including world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and rising star Rafael Jodar. Friday’s matchups feature Djokovic facing off against Croatia’s Dino Prizmic, while Jodar squares off against Portugal’s Nuno Borges.
The clash between Djokovic and Prizmic is a rematch of their recent Australian Open encounter, where Djokovic emerged victorious with a score of 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4. At just 18 years old, Prizmic made a significant impression during that match, showcasing his potential on the ATP stage. Since then, the young Croat has demonstrated remarkable growth, securing eight tour-level victories in 2026, including notable wins over Matteo Berrettini and Ben Shelton in Madrid. He enters this tournament with confidence, having defeated Marton Fucsovics in his opening match 6-4, 6-3.
On the other hand, Djokovic returns to the court after a lengthy break following his fourth-round exit at Indian Wells, where he lost a tightly contested match against Jack Draper, finishing 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5). The Serbian veteran’s season has been limited to only two events, including a surprising runner-up finish at the Australian Open. While Djokovic is undoubtedly rested, the question remains regarding his match fitness after such a hiatus. This sets the stage for an intriguing encounter, where Prizmic will look to capitalize on any signs of rustiness from the seasoned champion.
As for Jodar, the pressure is mounting as he aims to solidify his standing for a seed at the upcoming French Open. The 19-year-old Spaniard has quickly risen through the ranks, claiming his first ATP title in Marrakech and reaching the quarterfinals in Madrid before losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner. However, Jodar’s path in Rome kicks off against Borges, who is currently struggling with a 9-13 record this year and has yet to secure a victory against any player ranked inside the top 30. Jodar has the opportunity to leverage Borges’ struggles, making a strong statement as he seeks to continue his ascent in the sport.
Both matches hold significant implications for the players involved, whether it be Djokovic looking to regain form or Jodar striving to cement his place among the elite. Expect high stakes and thrilling tennis as these competitors take to the clay.
