Novak Djokovic’s Shocking Comeback: What Went Wrong Against 20-Year-Old Dino Prizmic?
Daniel Kim Views
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Novak Djokovic’s return after two months ended in a shock loss. After taking the opening set comfortably, he lost control of the match and was toppled by a 20-year-old rising star.
On May 8 in Rome, Djokovic fell in the second round of the ATP Tour Italian Open, losing to world No. 79 Dino Prizmic in three sets, 1–2 (6–2, 2–6, 4–6). Seeded third and entering after a first-round bye, Djokovic’s comeback match finished in an unexpected upset.
It was his first competitive match since the Indian Wells Open in March. Returning from an extended shoulder rehab, his movement noticeably slowed as the match progressed.
He opened strongly, taking the first set 6–2 and appearing in command, but he began to unravel in the second set. After dropping the second 2–6 and the decider 4–6, he surrendered the lead and the match.
Even more startling than the loss were Djokovic’s postmatch remarks. “I’m not in the physical condition to compete at the highest level and to go all the way,” he said. “I can’t remember the last time I entered a tournament without health issues. There’s always something wrong. I’m facing a new reality.”
The numbers underline the point. Djokovic turns 39 on May 22. Once an era-defining force, he’s recently been hampered by recurring injuries and uneven form, and he hasn’t produced consistent top-level performances this season.
Prizmic, by contrast, announced himself as a new name to watch. Born in August 2005, the 20-year-old is a former French Open junior champion. He came through qualifying for the main draw and left a strong impression by pulling off a dramatic comeback victory over a top-ranked opponent — the world No. 4.
Djokovic plans to skip other events and focus on recovery ahead of the French Open, which starts on May 24. He will still chase a 25th major men’s singles title and a mark as the oldest major winner, but this loss laid bare the reality of his current physical state.
Photos = AP, AFP / Yonhap News
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