sports
Novak Djokovic accepts ‘new reality’ after returning with defeat at Italian Open
Djokovic loses in three sets to Dino Prizmic in Rome
TL;DR
- Novak Djokovic lost in the second round of the Italian Open to 20-year-old qualifier Dino Prizmic.
- Djokovic cited continuous physical struggles and health issues as a 'new reality' in the latter part of his career.
- This defeat follows a two-month break from competition since the Indian Wells Masters.
- The loss in Rome means Djokovic has not won a match in any of the three ATP Masters clay events leading up to the French Open for the second consecutive year.
- Djokovic stated he will not compete in a tournament the week before the French Open this year and expressed uncertainty about his physical readiness for Paris.