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Djokovic falls in Rome
Novak Djokovic was beaten 2-6 6-2 6-4 by Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic in the Italian Open second round on Friday, ending the 38-year-old’s return to action after two months out with a right shoulder injury.
“Dino Prižmić defeated the record 24-time Grand Slam champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-4”
AP said Djokovic hadn’t played since March when he lost to Jack Draper in the fourth round in Indian Wells, California, and that he had taping on his right shoulder revealed when he changed shirts between sets.
The BBC reported Djokovic started strongly but looked to be struggling with illness in the second set, while Prizmic overpowered him 2-6 6-2 6-4.
After the match, Prizmic said, "He told me my forehand is much better and my movement," describing what Djokovic said to him at the net after their Rome meeting.
The BBC added that Djokovic said he will not play before the French Open begins on 24 May, where he will chase a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
What Djokovic said
Djokovic declined to discuss his physical condition after the defeat, telling reporters, "I hope you understand I will not talk about that. I want to congratulate Dino, deservedly the winner today," as he shifted attention to Prizmic’s performance.
The New York Times described Djokovic as seeming to be struggling with a stomach issue after winning the first set, and said he was barely moving between points during the second set.
In a separate account of the post-match exchange, Tennishead reported that Prizmic said Djokovic praised his forehand and movement, adding, "He is very happy."
AP quoted Prizmic saying, "I just played unbelievably today," after Djokovic’s first match in Rome since two years earlier.
The BBC also said Prizmic wrote "Nole it was a pleasure" on the camera lens after the match, while Djokovic said, "There's always something. Kind of a new reality that I have to deal with."
Next for the clay season
With Djokovic out of the Italian Open, the BBC said he will not play before the French Open begins on 24 May, and it noted he will turn 39 two days before the tournament gets under way.
“Djokovic said afterwards he will not play before the French Open begins on 24 May”
Sky Sports reported that Djokovic, a six-time winner of the Italian Open, was preparing for the second Grand Slam of the season, the French Open, which starts on May 24, and that he replied, "I don't know. I hope so."
The BBC said Djokovic had beaten Prizmic in their previous meeting at the 2024 Australian Open, but that this time Prizmic forced a deciding set with 13 winners and then served out victory.
In the same Rome event, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said Alex de Minaur was beaten 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 by Matteo Arnaldi, and that it was de Minaur’s fourth loss in his last five clay-court matches.
AAP reported that Alexei Popyrin remained the last Australian in the singles draw in Rome after Aleksandar Vukic was beaten 6-4 6-2 by American 16th seed Tommy Paul.
