Djokovic admits frustration after defeat to young Croatian.

Novak Djokovic, the giant of world tennis and six-time winner of the Rome Masters, experienced one of the most bitter moments of his career when he was eliminated in the first round of the ATP in Rome by the young 20-year-old Croatian, Dino Prizmic. This unexpected defeat not only shook the Serbian but also revealed a new and concerning reality for the world number 4.

Djokovic, who has participated in this tournament 19 times and seemed to dominate the Foro Italico as if it were his home, was unable to keep up with the aggressive and surprising pace of the young qualifier. The final score was a harsh 6-2, 2-6, 4-6 that brought down the seasoned champion. After the match, the Serbian did not hide his frustration and made a confession that shocked fans: “It’s not an ideal preparation, to be honest. In recent years, I don’t remember entering a tournament without some physical or health issue. It’s a new reality that I have to deal with. It’s frustrating, but it’s my decision to continue competing under these conditions. It is what it is.”

This statement reflects Djokovic’s internal struggle, as he continues to grapple with a right shoulder injury, a result of his clash with Jack Draper at Indian Wells, and which, although improved, still limits his performance. His visibly weakened physical condition was evident in the second and third sets, when Prizmic took advantage to dominate the match and secure victory in 2 hours and 17 minutes.

In addition to the shock of his early elimination, Djokovic confirmed that he will not participate in any tournaments before the French Open, a decision that surprises considering that last year he participated and won the Geneva Open shortly before the French Grand Slam. “No. Not this year. I’m going straight to Paris. That’s the decision I’ve made,” he stated categorically.

This decision could have serious consequences for his world ranking. The Serbian, who reached the semi-finals of Roland Garros last year, when he lost in straight sets to Jannik Sinner, risks losing many points if he is eliminated in the early rounds of the next edition. The absence of victories in the clay Masters – having already been eliminated in the first rounds of Monte Carlo and Madrid – raises a red flag regarding his preparation for the major event.

Despite the defeat, Djokovic did not hold back in praising Prizmic, highlighting the rapid evolution of the young Croatian since their last encounter at the 2024 Australian Open, where Djokovic won in four sets. “He is a great competitor, a fighter. I’ve known him for a few years, and as we speak the same language, I always wish him the best. Today he played high-level tennis. I noticed that his forehand has improved a lot. What he and his team are doing is working. He should keep it up,” the Serbian declared.

Dino Prizmic, for his part, showed respect and admiration for his idol. After the victory, he wrote on a camera, “Nole, it was a pleasure!!” and stated emotionally, “For me, it’s hard to describe. I have enormous respect for Novak, who is my idol. Today I played an incredible match and I want to stay focused for the next challenge.”

This triumph was Prizmic’s fourth in the tournament, having gone through three qualifying rounds before reaching the main draw, defeating names such as Chris Rodesch, Federico Bondioli, and Marton Fucsovics.

Now, the young Croatian is preparing to face Ugo Humbert in the round of 32 at the ATP in Rome. Will this mark the beginning of a great journey for Prizmic, or will his adventure end early? The tennis world is watching, and comments and predictions are multiplying.

Novak Djokovic is facing a critical moment in his career, where the battle against injuries and the new physical reality become the biggest challenge for the champion. His decision to go straight to Roland Garros, without participating in preparatory tournaments, may be a warning sign for what lies ahead in the most demanding Grand Slam of the season. What is at stake is not just a title, but the legacy of one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.