Novak Djokovic’s return to the tour did not go as he had hoped, as for the first time ever in his illustrious career, he lost his opening match in Rome.
In his first match on Tour in almost two months, Djokovic fell 6-2 2-6 4-6 to Dino Prizmic, as his preparation for the second Major of the year now takes a major hit.
A Fast Start Before Everything Changed
Djokovic started the match showing no signs of rust at all, as he raced through the opening set, hitting only two unforced errors on his way to a 6-2 set. But from then on, everything changed for the former World No. 1.
Djokovic started to look under the weather physically early in the second set, as he was seen nauseated and vomiting at various times throughout the set. His energy and groundstroke speeds dropped considerably, something Prizmic took full advantage of, going up a double break early in the second set. And while Djokovic’s condition did improve by the end of the set, the hole he had dug himself into proved too much, as Prizmic closed out the second set soon enough.
Prizmic Holds Firm in the Decider
The third set was the most closely contested, with Djokovic once again playing closer to his first-set level. But unfortunately for him, that was not enough, as by then Prizmic had dialed in his groundstrokes from the baseline. Despite asking for a medical timeout to start the third set, Prizmic did not give Djokovic an inch, breaking him and holding that lead until the end of the match.
This match was not only Djokovic’s earliest main-draw exit in Rome, but Prizmic also became the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic at a clay-court big event (Major or Masters) in his career.
One of the greatest frontrunners tennis has ever seen, Djokovic, in his every loss this year has won the opening set, perhaps signaling that fatigue and age have finally started to affect his once-impenetrable gas tank.
Djokovic Addresses Physical Issues After the Match
Always gracious in defeat, Djokovic did not waste time giving Prizmic credit in the post-match press conference. Speaking on whether physical issues in the second set played a role in his loss, Djokovic said:
“I hope you understand, I will not talk about that. I want to congratulate Dino. Deservedly the winner today. Yeah, came in [Rome] to have a match or more. Unfortunately, only a match. It’s all right. I’m pleased at least that I fought till the end. I want to thank the crowd. It was incredible once again. I mean, the support and love that I’ve been getting, it’s something I don’t take for granted.”
The loss means that Djokovic will have played only one match on clay this year heading into the French Open, as he also announced that he will not be partaking in the ATP Geneva Open this year, unlike in each of the previous two seasons. Hence, this will be the least match repetition and perhaps the most unique preparation for a Major that Djokovic has had in his career, something he also addressed after the loss.
“Yes, it’s not an ideal preparation, to be honest. I don’t recall the last time I had in the last couple years a preparation where I didn’t have any kind of physical issues or health issues coming into the tournament. There’s always something. Kind of a new reality that I have to deal with. Yeah, it is frustrating. At the same time, it’s my decision to still perform in that kind of state and conditions. It is what it is.”
Can Djokovic Still Win the French Open?
What is remarkable is that despite all these issues and the non-ideal preparation, Djokovic still remains a top-three favorite for the French Open at soon-to-be 39 years of age, especially with two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz out of the tournament this year due to a wrist injury.
The biggest obstacle, apart from health, between Djokovic and the title in Paris this year will once again be Jannik Sinner, who defeated Djokovic in straight sets last year in the semifinal round of the tournament.
But then again, earlier this year in January, Djokovic secured his first win over Sinner in more than two years, and with that confidence, the 24-time Major champion will still, deep down, believe in his chances heading into Roland Garros.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
