Novak Djokovic suffered a shock defeat to a Croatian qualifier 18 years youthful than him on the Italian Open in his first match again after two months out with a shoulder harm.
The 20-year-old Dino Prizmic battled again from a set right down to defeat the file 24-time Grand Slam champion 2-6 6-2 6-4.
In his first look since dropping to Britain’s Jack Draper within the fourth spherical of Indian Wells in March, Djokovic was seen with taping on his troublesome proper shoulder.
The 38-year-old regarded sharp within the opening set however then appeared to really feel underneath the climate initially of the second and finally succumbed to his youthful opponent.
“He’s my idol,” Prizmic stated afterwards. “I just played unbelievably today.”
Prizmic secured a surprising victory over 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic
Djokovic, in the meantime, declined to speak about his bodily struggles afterwards, saying at a press convention: “I hope you perceive I can’t speak about that. I wish to congratulate Dino, deservedly the winner immediately.
“I got here in to have a match or extra. Sadly solely a match. It is all proper. I am happy not less than that I fought till the top.
“Obviously I see what I’m missing. Late half a step. I’m not definitely where I want to be for the highest level and to compete at the highest level and to be able to get far.”
A six-time Rome champion, Djokovic is making ready for the second Grand Slam of the season, the French Open, which begins on Might 24.
Requested if he was assured of being in fine condition for Roland Garros, he replied: “I don’t know. I hope so.”
In Djokovic’s solely different match this 12 months, he reached the Australian Open closing, which he misplaced to Carlos Alcaraz.
Elsewhere in Rome, second seed Alexander Zverev bounced again from his heavy loss to Jannik Sinner within the closing of the Madrid Open final weekend by beating fellow German Daniel Altmaier 7-5 6-3.
Sixth seed Alex De Minaur was overwhelmed 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 by Italian Matteo Arnaldi.
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