Djokovic Reveals Troubling Injury Update After First-Round Loss in Rome

Novak Djokovic has admitted that managing physical problems has become part of everyday life on tour after the Serbian star suffered a shock early exit at the Italian Open ahead of the French Open.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was beaten 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 by 20-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic in Rome on Friday, marking a disappointing return to competition after nearly two months away from the court. Djokovic had not played since March due to a lingering right shoulder issue.

The defeat has intensified concerns surrounding the 38-year-old’s fitness heading into Roland Garros, where he will attempt to add to his record-breaking Grand Slam tally.

Djokovic began strongly against Prizmic, dominating the opening set with sharp movement and clean hitting. However, the match quickly turned as physical discomfort appeared to affect him midway through the contest. The Serbian was seen wearing heavy tape on his shoulder and looked increasingly restricted during longer rallies as the match slipped away.

Following the loss, Djokovic spoke openly about the growing challenge of staying fully fit at this stage of his career, admitting that physical setbacks have become a recurring issue over the past few seasons.

The former world No. 1 said arriving at tournaments without some form of injury concern or physical limitation is now rare, describing it as a “new reality” he has had to accept.

Even so, Djokovic made it clear that he still chooses to compete despite the risks and frustrations that come with playing while not fully healthy. He explained that he continues training as hard as his body allows, though he acknowledged there is now far greater uncertainty over how his body will respond once matches begin.

Rome was expected to provide Djokovic with much-needed clay-court preparation before the French Open, but instead the six-time Italian Open champion leaves with just one completed match and fresh questions surrounding his condition.

For a player who has built his legacy on remarkable durability and relentless physical excellence, the latest setback represents another difficult reminder of the demands of competing at the highest level deep into his late thirties.

With Roland Garros fast approaching, Djokovic now faces a race against time to regain rhythm, sharpness, and fitness as he looks to remain a serious contender on the Paris clay.