Novak Djokovic loses in qualifier, says he misses halfway stage

Novak Djokovic The Croatian, 18 years his junior, was beaten in qualifying at the Italian Open on Friday after being sidelined for two months with a right shoulder injury.

Dino Prismic20, ace his first match point to beat the record 24-time Grand Slam champion 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Djokovic, 38, has not played since the loss Jack Draper In the fourth round in March in Indian Wells, California.

After the loss, Djokovic refused to talk about his physical struggles.

“I want to congratulate Dino, a worthy winner today,” Djokovic told a news conference. “I came for a match or so. Unfortunately only one match. All is well. I am at least satisfied that I fought to the end.

“Obviously I can see what I’m missing. Half a step late. I’m not sure where I want to be for the highest level and to be able to compete at the highest level and go far.”

The loss means Djokovic will go into the French Open, which starts on May 24, having played just one match on clay. In the first Grand Slam of the year, Djokovic reached the final of the Australian Open and lost Carlos Alcaraz.

Asked if he was confident of being in good shape for Roland Garros, he replied: “I don’t know. Hopefully so.”

Djokovic had tape on his right shoulder that was revealed while changing shirts between sets. The six-time Rome champion looked sharp in the first set but then appeared to feel under the weather at the start of the second. He began to look visibly uncomfortable and repeatedly looked at his team.

“He’s my idol,” Prismic said of Djokovic. “I played incredibly today.”

The 79th-ranked Prismic beat the no.6 Ben Shelton To reach the third round of the Madrid Open last month.

Second seed Alexander Zverev Bounce back from his heavy damage A mortal sinner Beating fellow German in final of Madrid Open last weekend Daniel Altmaier 7-5, 6-3, when Alex de Minaur was defeated by the Italians Matteo Arnaldi.

The Associated Press and PA contributed to this report.