Sharjah24: Serbian world number four Novak Djokovic bowed out of the Italian Open in the second round after losing 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 to Croatian player Dino Prižmić.
Return after injury setback
The former world number one, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles, returned to competition after a lengthy absence caused by a shoulder injury, in what was his final Masters 1000 event before the start of French Open.
Djokovic was making his first appearance since his defeat in the last 16 at Indian Wells Masters in March, having withdrawn from the tournaments in Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid.
Concerns over fitness
The 38-year-old suffered an early exit for the first time since last year’s Madrid Open and looked far from the form that previously earned him six titles in Rome.
Djokovic said: “Let’s see what happens,” referring to his ongoing physical struggles in the latter stages of his distinguished career.
He added: “I can’t remember the last time, over the past few years, that I entered a tournament without any physical issues during the preparation period.”
He continued: “There is always something. This has become a kind of new reality that I have to live with.”
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