Novak Djokovic lost in the first round of the Italian Open for the first time in his career, falling to Dino Prizmic. This defeat marks a significant moment in Djokovic's storied tennis career.
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What happened to Novak Djokovic? How aging legend lost to Dino Prizmic in Rome first round originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
This had never happened before.
Novak Djokovic had played in the first round of the Italian Open 18 times before Friday and never lost.
Dino Prizmic changed that.
After Djokovic won the first set 6-2, Prizmic stormed back to win the second and third sets 6-2, 6-4.
It appears Djokovic may have dealt with stomach issues, but he didn't want to talk about that after the match.
"I want to congratulate Dino, deservedly the winner today," Djokovic said in a news conference afterward, via ESPN. "I came in to have a match or more. Unfortunately only a match. It's all right. I'm pleased at least that I fought until the end. Obviously I see what I'm missing. Late half a step. I'm not definitely where I want to be for the highest level and to compete at the highest level and to be able to get far."
Djokovic, 38, was defeated by the 20-year old Prizmic, who had to go through qualifying to even make it into the main draw in Rome.
"He's my idol," Prizmic said of Djokovic, via ESPN. "I just played unbelievably today."
Novak Djokovic lost to Dino Prizmic due to a combination of factors, including his performance level and Prizmic's strong play.
Before this loss, Novak Djokovic had played in the first round of the Italian Open 18 times without a defeat.
Djokovic's loss is significant as it marks the first time he has ever lost in the first round of this tournament, highlighting a potential decline in his performance.
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