Novak Djokovic accepts 'new reality' after returning with defeat at Italian Open

Novak Djokovic's return to tour-level tennis ended in defeat at the Italian Open in Rome, where he lost his second-round match to qualifier Dino Prizmic 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.

The result came after ATP Tour had previewed Djokovic's return from a layoff, with the Serb saying he was ready enough to compete but not yet at his best. In Rome, that physical uncertainty showed as Prizmic recovered from losing the opening set and completed the upset.

The loss was a significant moment for Djokovic because the Italian Open is one of the key tune-up events before Roland Garros. It also added to questions about how much tennis he can realistically play at full intensity as he builds toward the French Open.

After the match, Djokovic said he has to accept a new reality around his physical condition and preparation. The reporting available so far does not confirm any specific injury setback during the match, but it does make clear that his comeback was interrupted by an early exit.

Prizmic's win was described as the biggest of his career, and the ATP listings had already placed the two players on a second-round collision course in Rome. For Djokovic, the immediate focus now shifts to whether he will play any further warm-up events before Roland Garros and how he manages the next phase of his preparation.