Novak Djokovic has admitted that physical struggles have become “a new reality” as the 24-time Grand Slam champion reflected on his shock early exit from the Italian Open and his uncertain build-up to the French Open.
The Serbian great suffered a surprise first-round defeat in Rome on Friday, going down 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 to 20-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic in his first competitive match in two months. The loss came as Djokovic returned from a right shoulder issue that had kept him out since his defeat to Jack Draper at Indian Wells in March.
Speaking candidly after the defeat, the 38-year-old acknowledged that arriving at tournaments carrying some form of physical concern has become increasingly common in recent years.
“Yeah, I mean it’s not an ideal preparation, to be honest. I don’t recall the last time I had, in the last couple years, a preparation where I didn’t have any kind of physical issues or health issues coming into the tournament,” Djokovic said.
“It’s always something. It’s kind of a new reality that I have to deal with.”
Djokovic looked in control early against Prizmic, taking the opening set comfortably and appearing sharp in his movement. But the momentum quickly shifted, with the six-time Rome champion visibly struggling as the match wore on. He was seen wearing tape on his right shoulder and repeatedly glanced towards his team as discomfort appeared to set in.
Despite the frustration, Djokovic made it clear that stepping onto the court remains his own choice, even when his body is less than ideal.
“Yeah, it is frustrating, but at the same time, it’s my decision to still perform in that kind of state and conditions and it is what it is,” he added.
The defeat raises fresh questions over Djokovic’s readiness for Roland Garros, which begins later this month. The Italian Open was expected to offer crucial match practice on clay ahead of the year’s second Grand Slam, but instead, the former world No. 1 leaves Rome with just one match under his belt.
When asked about his chances of being fully fit for Paris, Djokovic offered little certainty.
“The situation is as it is. You make the most out of it. I train hard. I train as much as the body allows me to. Then how it turns out on the court, that’s really unpredictable,” he said.
For a player who has built his career on relentless physical excellence, Djokovic’s latest admission offers a stark reminder that even the sport’s greatest champions are not immune to time.
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Published By:
Amar Panicker
Published On:
May 9, 2026 10:31 IST