World No. 79 Dino Prizmic comes back from a set down to upset six-time Rome champion Novak Djokovic in his return to action at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia on Friday at Foro Italico.
Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic stunned former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 in two hours and 15 minutes to reach back-to-back Masters 1000 third rounds for the first time on Friday.
In his on-court interview, he outlined, "I have big respect for Novak. He is my idol, so it was a great match for me today. I played unbelievable, and I want to stay focused and be ready for the next one.
"First set he played unbelievable, and at the end of the set I tried to find my game and I did it, so it is very, very good."
Competing at the tour level for the first time since March at Indian Wells, Djokovic saw his flawless 18-0 record in his opening rounds at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia halted by his opponent, 18 years his junior.
The Match as It Happened
Playing in his first clay event of the season and his third tournament, the 24-time major champion made a solid start to his 19th appearance in Rome, taking the opening set with a dominant performance.
From the outset, the world No. 4 stayed rock solid on serve - won 82 percent of the points on his first serve -Â dropping just three points on his service throughout the opener.
Moreover, he converted two clinical break points in the sixth and eighth games, en route to wrapping it up 6-2 in 40 minutes without facing a break point.
At times, it seemed he had never left, as his trademark athleticism, stretching, moving, and speed were on point, but all was about to change.
On the return, he showed no signs of rustiness, recording a return rate of 216 compared to his opponent's 31, earning 53 percent of the return points on his first delivery.
Both players struck 6 winners, but the unforced errors piled up on Prizmic's side of the net, 14 to just 4 from the Serbian racquet.
Nonetheless, the 20-year-old found his way into the match, building upon an inspiring run in Madrid, where he stunned Ben Shelton on his way to the third round at the Masters 1000 event, coming from qualifying.
As a result, the tables turned in the second set; he came out on fire, breaking to love in the first game.
From there, he took control of proceedings, marching to convert a double break in the third game, winning the first 16 points of the set in the process, to just 4.
He improved his game in all areas, serving and returning better while moving forward with confidence.
Meanwhile, the 38-year-old, who was trailing by a set and a double break, appeared unwell, showing signs of physical discomfort.
However, he managed to fend off a break point to hold his ground, getting on the board 1-4.
Then, Prizmic stepped up the pressure from the forehand wing, hitting 13 forehand winners across the second set to close it out 6-2 in 42 minutes, forcing a decider.
As the final set wore on, the third seed gathered pace, but so did the Croatian player, who snatched the break after an extended rally in the fifth game and held to extend his advantage to 4-2.
The player, coached by Bojan Jelovac and Marko Toic, served for the match at 5-4, with a packed Campo Centrale showing their full support for the Belgrade native.
Following a 17-shot rally, Prizmic etched one point away from the win, and he did not miss, sealing it with an ace 6-4, becoming the first Croatian to defeat Djokovic on the clay surface.
In his post-match press conference, Djokovic commented: "I came in to have a match or more. Unfortunately, only a match. It's all right. I'm pleased at least that I fought till the end.
"I want to thank the crowd. It was incredible once again. The support and love that I've been getting, it's something I don't take for granted."
Next, Prizmic will either square off against the 31st seed,Ugo Humbert, who ousted world No. 55 Vit Kopriva in straight sets.