Novak Djokovic suffers career-first ATP loss to qualifier in Rome

Novak Djokovic’s return to the ATP Tour after nearly two months away ended in one of the most surprising losses of his career. 20-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic, who sees Djokovic as his idol, rallied from a set down to defeat the 24-time Grand Slam champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the second round of the Italian Open.

The Croatian became the first qualifier ever to record a comeback win over Djokovic at an ATP Masters 1000 event, while also becoming the lowest-ranked player, at world No. 79, to achieve that feat. He also became the first Croatian player to defeat Djokovic on clay, per a post on X by José Morgado.

Notably, Prizmic is 18 years younger than Djokovic and was only two years old when the Serb won his first Grand Slam title. For the second consecutive season, Djokovic will enter the French Open without winning a match at any ATP Masters clay event.

Last year, Djokovic compensated by entering Geneva late and still reached the Roland Garros semifinals before losing to Jannik Sinner, but this year he confirmed he will not play another tournament before Paris. Regardless, the six-time Rome champion dropped only three points behind serve in the first set and appeared in complete control early.

But the physical drop-off began almost immediately in the second set. Djokovic looked increasingly sluggish in baseline rallies, repeatedly shortened points with drop shots, and frequently glanced toward his team while appearing physically uncomfortable. His right shoulder taping became visible during a changeover, and his movement behind the baseline noticeably deteriorated as the match progressed.

Prizmic capitalized fully once the momentum shifted. The Croatian repeatedly forced Djokovic into long exchanges. He won four consecutive games to seize control of the second set and maintained the pressure deep into the third.

The win continued Prizmic’s rapid rise on the ATP Tour. It was already his second victory over a top-10 player in recent weeks after defeating world No. 6 Ben Shelton in Madrid. Regardless, considering he looks at Djokovic as his long-term idol, the latest victory will undoubtedly be extra special.

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