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Djokovic Falls to Qualifier Prizmic, French Open Fitness Questioned

5/9/2026

29 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Djokovic Loses Early

Novak Djokovic lost to Croatian qualifier Dario Prizmic 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the Italian Open first round.
It was his first opening-match loss in Rome after 19 appearances.
Djokovic, who had not played since a March loss to Jack Draper, said he was unsure about his French Open fitness.
Prizmic, who beat world No. 6 Ben Shelton in Madrid, earned his second top-10 win and will face Ugo Humbert.

Summary

Djokovic Beats Sinner

Djokovic beat Jannik Sinner in five sets at the Australian Open semi-finals, taking a 6-5 head-to-head lead.
After a two-month break, he will play the Italian Open to prep for Roland Garros.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal opens the Rome draw, raising the chance of a Djokovic-Sinner clash before the French final.
Arnaud Clement says Djokovic’s experience and stamina could give him an edge on clay, noting a 2026 loss to Jack Draper.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, the All England Club’s Wimbledon Championships saw defending champion Rafael Nadal withdraw with knee tendinitis, leaving the field open. Roger Federer capitalized, defeating Andy Roddick in a five-set final that lasted 77 games—the longest men’s major final at the time—and secured his sixth Wimbledon crown and 15th Grand Slam title, overtaking Pete Sampras’s record.

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Djokovic Loses Early

Novak Djokovic lost to Croatian qualifier Dario Prizmic 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the Italian Open first round.
It was his first opening-match loss in Rome after 19 appearances.
Djokovic, who had not played since a March loss to Jack Draper, said he was unsure about his French Open fitness.
Prizmic, who beat world No. 6 Ben Shelton in Madrid, earned his second top-10 win and will face Ugo Humbert.

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