Returning to play after a two-month injury layoff since his loss to Jack Draper at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in early March, Djokovic took to the court with his shoulder taped. However, an illness, rather than the injury, appeared to affect Djokovic, as his performance declined significantly after winning the first set due to a stomach issue.

Djokovic moved minimally between points in the second set. Prizmic capitalized on this sluggishness with a series of tricky drop shots. Djokovic also attempted to shorten rallies with drop shots, but this tactic repeatedly backfired as Prizmic swiftly moved forward to hit winners.

Djokovic (left) congratulates Prizmic after their match on Center Court at the Foro Italico tennis complex in Rome, Italy on 8/5. Photo: Reuters

In the post-match press conference, Djokovic was reluctant to discuss his physical condition but admitted that his preparation for Roland Garros was "not ideal".

"I don't recall the last time in recent years I had preparations without any physical or health issues before a tournament", Nole said after the match on 8/5. "Something is always happening. That's the new reality I have to face. I'm very disappointed with the loss. But at the same time, it's a result I accept when I continue to play in such a state and conditions".

Prizmic grew up admiring Djokovic and pushed the veteran to a four-set match in the first round of last year's Australian Open. At that time, Djokovic was highly impressed with the younger player, stating in his post-match interview: "At times, I felt like I was playing against myself in the mirror".

Prižmić, then just 18 years old, struggled to build on his Melbourne breakthrough, largely due to a right wrist injury. However, he defeated world number 6 Ben Shelton at the Madrid Open last month. An unwell Djokovic ultimately could not withstand Prizmic. After converting a break-point to lead 3-2 in the deciding set, the Croatian player maintained his composure against the pro-Djokovic crowd, closing out the match with an ace.

"Today he certainly played tennis at a very high level", Djokovic said. "I told him at the net that his forehand has improved greatly. Whatever he and his team are doing is working. He just needs to continue like that".

Despite having played only one clay-court match this year, Djokovic stated he would not compete in any additional tournaments before Roland Garros, the Grand Slam event starting on 24/5. He did so in 2025, winning the Geneva Open after an early exit in Madrid and skipping the Rome Masters.

Djokovic then reached the Roland Garros semifinals, an achievement considered a success last year. When asked why he wouldn't try to repeat that formula this year, Djokovic simply replied: "That's simply my decision".

With Carlos Alcaraz absent from Paris this year, Djokovic is considered the most likely challenger to world number 1 Jannik Sinner. If he wins Roland Garros for the fourth time, Djokovic will secure his 25th career Grand Slam title, a new record. However, he admitted in the press conference that he currently lacks the confidence to compete with Sinner.

"Clearly, I feel like I'm missing something", Nole said. "Half a beat slower. But in the end, you still have to play. You have to start somewhere. I wanted to start earlier, but I couldn't. This is the current situation, and you can only adapt and try to make the most of it. I train as much as my body allows. But once I step onto the court, how things unfold is truly unpredictable".

Vy Anh