The Croatian, 20 years old, coming from the qualifiers, loses the first set then changes pace and overcomes the Serbian legend 2-6 6-2 6-4. For Nole it is the first defeat on his debut at the Internationals
The surprise of the day, without taking anything away from Matteo Arnaldi, is served by Dino Prizmic. The Croatian, coming from the qualifiers, comes from behind to beat Novak Djokovic 2-6 6-2 6-4. A dull performance from the Serbian, who after a dominated first set, also thanks to the many errors from the Croatian, gradually faded away. The decline is above all physical: Nole is often unable to keep up with Prizmic’s pace, a difficulty which then translates into long backhands and revisable choices. Dino, with his second career victory against a top 10 player, and despite the support of the Foro Italico in favor of Nole, took advantage of it. He finishes coolly, both pushing from the bottom with his forehand and varying the pace, and thus becomes the first Croatian to beat Djokovic on clay (fifth overall). And in his 19th participation, for the first time in his career, the current world no.4 loses on his debut in Rome. Prizmic, calm even in his celebration, raises his arms to the sky after the ace that wins the match. The Croatian will continue his journey at the Forum against n.31 Humbert or Kopriva in the third round.
