Prizmic sours Djokovic's return at ATP Rome

Pedro de Pablos | 8 May 2026 | 18.07

Prizmic sours Djokovic's return at the ATP Rome

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Novak Djokovic and Dino Prizmic have starred in a crazy showdown in the Serbian's debut at the ATP Rome 2026, after two months without playing. During the match, both had physical problems, in an emotional rollercoaster that ultimately ended with a victory for the Croatian tennis player by a score of 2-6, 6-2, and 6-4, after two hours and 15 minutes of play.

The Serbian tennis player started showing a superlative level, but stomach issues made him significantly lower his performance. Dino Prizmic, on the other hand, went from strength to strength, almost reaching excellence to achieve the most important victory of his career against his idol, advancing to the third round and proving that his good performance at the Mutua Madrid Open was no coincidence. He is destined to compete for great things in the future.

Djokovic shows his best version in the first set

The match started with both players solid on serve, not giving many opportunities. However, Novak does not need many chances to capitalize on them, and a double fault and a failed shot by the Croatian meant his first break point. However, Prizmic pulled off a magical drop shot to save the first critical situation. Djokovic's level, unusual for a player who hasn't competed since Indian Wells, was further proof of why he is made of a different mold, playing with amazing solidity and making few unforced errors.

Due to that consistency, the first break of the match came for the Serbian player, who persevered and was aggressive to finally get the break in the sixth game to lead 4-2 with serve. From that moment on, Dino crumbled, while Djokovic maintained an overwhelming pace that was too much for the Croatian in the first set. In fact, Dino did not win a game after that, and with another break, Nole closed the set by 6-2, with just four unforced errors.

Djokovic, with physical problems, concedes the second set

The second set started completely differently. After a first set where Prizmic had no break points, in the first game of the second set, he managed to break Djokovic's serve to love after several gifts. In fact, it was as if all the good things seen from Novak in the first set disappeared completely, as if something was happening physically to him, leading to another break and a 3-0 lead with serve in favor of the young Croatian player.

Prizmic was close to a 5-0 lead due to what seemed like stomach issues for Novak, but gradually the Serbian started feeling better to hold his ground and reach 5-2 on the scoreboard despite the tough time he was going through. He even had break points, but couldn't convert them. Interestingly, at that moment, the Croatian informed the physio that he had a glute pain, while Nole requested something to alleviate his discomfort. Absolute drama, and 6-2 for Dino.

Prizmic raises his game and eliminates Djokovic at ATP Rome

In the deciding set, both gave their all, although Novak seemed a bit frustrated facing any disadvantage. Furthermore, Prizmic stepped up his game and hit every ball as if his life depended on it, pushing the Serbian player to the limit. As a result of this dynamic, the Croatian player got his first break in the fifth game, putting him at 3-2 with serve and putting Nole on the ropes, who couldn't make an impact with his shots for quite some time.

Djokovic continued fighting to stay in the match, holding his serves and putting pressure on the Croatian player, who did not back down in the face of the situation. Prizmic was brave, and Novak was not as quick and accurate as on other occasions, leading to the definitive 6-4. Dino had just defeated his hero in an epic way, advancing to a new third round of Masters 1000 from qualifying, where he will face the winner of the match between Ugo Humbert and Vit Kopriva.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Prizmic amarga el regreso de Djokovic en el ATP Roma