Full Breakdown
Djokovic's Shock Exit at the Italian Open: Qualifier Dino Prižmic Upsets Six-Time Champion
5/9/2026, 11:35:03 PM
Match Overview
World No. 4 Novak Djokovic, six-time Italian Open champion, lost to 20-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prižmic (world No. 79) in Rome on May 8, 2026. Prižmic won 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, clinching the match with an ace on his first match point.
Context and Recent Form
Djokovic had not played competitively since the fourth round of Indian Wells in March, where a right-shoulder injury forced a loss to Jack Draper. The Italian Open was his only warm-up before Roland Garros, which starts May 24. Prižmic, ranked No. 79, entered the tournament as a qualifier after a top-10 win over Ben Shelton in Madrid and a four-set loss to Djokovic at the 2024 Australian Open.
Key Numbers
Match score: 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 to Prižmic. Djokovic’s prior record in Rome was 0-19 in opening-round matches. Prižmic now holds two top-10 victories (Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic). Djokovic, 38, has 24 Grand Slam titles and six Italian Open crowns; he was Australian Open finalist earlier in 2026, losing to Carlos Alcaraz.
Official Statements
Djokovic acknowledged that his recent level, movement and physical condition were not ideal, but said they were improving and that he had hoped to return to competition earlier. He admitted uncertainty about his readiness for the upcoming French Open. Prižmic expressed admiration for Djokovic, calling him his idol and praising his own performance.
Criticism & Concerns
Analysts noted visible stomach discomfort and a loss of shot depth in the second set, questioning Djokovic’s match fitness ahead of Roland Garros and highlighting that his only clay-court match before the major was a loss.
On-Court Summary
Djokovic took the first set 6-2 with two breaks, but his shots lost depth in the second set as Prižmic surged to 6-2. In the deciding set, Djokovic’s serve faltered on the first break point, and Prižmic held serve to close the match with an ace.
Conflicting Reports
AP attributes Djokovic’s issue to a right-shoulder injury, while IANS reports stomach discomfort; the qualifier’s name appears as Dino Prižmic in most sources and as Dario Prizmic in one.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I see what I'm missing,” — Novak Djokovic, Player
- “He told the ATP before the match: “I am not the happiest with the level of tennis or the movement or the physical state, but it is getting there.” — Novak Djokovic, ATP press conference
- “I don't know.” — Novak Djokovic, post-match interview
- “I just played unbelievably today.” — Dino Prižmic, post-match interview
What’s Next
Prižmic will meet either Vit Kopriva or Ugo Humbert in the Italian Open third round. Djokovic heads to Paris for Roland Garros, aiming to defend his title and chase a record-extending 25th Grand Slam.
