ROME – Novak Djokovic misplaced to a Croatian qualifier 18 years his junior on the Italian Open on Friday in his first match in two months as a consequence of a proper shoulder damage.
Dino Prismic, 20, hit an ace on his first match level to defeat the record-setting 24-time Grand Slam champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.
Djokovic, 38, has not performed since dropping to Jack Draper within the fourth spherical in March in Indian Wells, California.
Djokovic had taping on his proper shoulder, which was uncovered when he modified his shirt between units.
Djokovic, a six-time champion in Rome, is making ready for the French Open, which begins on Might 24. In Djokovic’s solely different match look this 12 months, he reached the Australian Open last, the place he misplaced to Carlos Alcaraz.
Prismic, ranked 79th on this planet, superior to the third spherical finally month’s Madrid Open by defeating No. 6 Ben Shelton.
“He is my idol,” Prismik mentioned of Djokovic. “He performed unbelievable as we speak.”
