Novak Djokovic suffered a surprising defeat to qualifier Dino Prizmic at the Italian Open, falling 2-6 6-2 6-4 in his first match back after two months with a shoulder injury. The 38-year-old Serbian appeared sharp in the opening set but struggled physically as the match progressed, with visible taping on his troublesome right shoulder.

Djokovic declined to discuss physical struggles afterward, admitting "I'm not definitely where I want to be for the highest level" and acknowledging he's "late half a step" in his recovery. The six-time Rome champion congratulated his young opponent, saying "I came in to have a match or more. Unfortunately only a match."

This loss raises questions about Djokovic's fitness for the upcoming French Open, which begins May 24. His only tournament appearance this year came at the Australian Open, where he reached the final. The defeat to the 20-year-old Prizmic suggests the Serbian legend faces significant challenges returning to top form after his injury layoff.