Dino Prizmic defeated Novak Djokovic, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, in the second round of the Italian Open.
The 20-year-old Croat fought back from a set down to defeat the 24-time Grand Slam champion in Rome.
Prizmic and Djokovic embraced at the net, as the Serb spoke to the man who idolised him.
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After the match, Prizmic shared what Djokovic said to him.
Novak Djokovic praised Dino Prizmic’s forehand immediately after losing to him in Rome
During an interview with Sky Sports, Prizmic was asked what Djokovic said to him at the net.
“He told me my forehand is much better and my movement,” said Prizmic.
“He is very happy.
“Because also when he played against me at AO [Australian Open], he told me a lot of things, so I have huge respect for him for that.”
Djokovic and Prizmic met for the first time two years ago, in Melbourne.
On that occasion, Djokovic won in four sets, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4.
Novak Djokovic and Dino Prizmic’s head-to-head record (1-1)
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2026 Italian Open – 2R | Dino Prizmic | Novak Djokovic | 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2024 Australian Open – 1R | Novak Djokovic | Dino Prizmic | 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 |
The Serb was full of praise for Prizmic during his post-match press conference that day.
“It felt at some point I was playing myself in a mirror already,” he said.
“I hear that he liked to watch me when he was growing up.
“I mean, he’s got an incredible defence, especially from the backhand side.
“Very all-around game. Of course, he’s got every shot in the game to improve.
“For an 18-year-old, I think I’m most impressed with his physical state. His legs are so super strong and so solid.
“Also, the mentality. He came out there not with a desire to just play a nice set or enjoy the experience, but rather to win.
“Kudos to him. It was impressive.”
Prizmic learned a lot from his first career meeting with Djokovic, although injuries halted his progress.
“After the match against Novak at AO a lot of things happened with my injuries, so maybe I was not ready for this big stage, but now I feel very good so I just want to keep going,” he said.
The 20-year-old was understandably pleased with his performance, but already has his sights set on the third round.
“I just want to say that it was a big match for me. I played unbelievable,” said Prizmic.
“I am very happy with my performance today, and I will try to prepare for the next match.”
Prizmic will return to take on the 31st seed, Ugo Humbert, in the third round on Sunday, May 10.
Dino Prizmic makes strides towards the top 50 with latest win in Rome
Ranked outside the world’s top 100 at the beginning of the year, Prizmic now sits 78th in the ‘Live ATP Rankings’.
| Rank | Name | Country | Points |
| 74 | Kamil Majchrzak | Poland | 747 |
| 75 | Hubert Hurkacz | Poland | 740 |
| 76 | Jan Lennard Struff | Germany | 739 |
| 77 | Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard | France | 735 |
| 78 | Dino Prizmic | Croatia | 735 |
| 79 | Marco Trungelliti | Argentina | 731 |
| 80 | Stefanos Tsitsipas | Greece | 725 |
| 81 | James Duckworth | Australia | 722 |
| 82 | Marcos Giron | USA | 705 |
| 83 | Adolfo Daniel Vallejo | Paraguay | 703 |
The Croat has shot up the rankings with some impressive results on tour, but he’s had to do it the hard way.
Prizmic advanced through qualifying on six occasions this year, at the Australian Open, Rio Open, Chile Open, Indian Wells, Madrid Open, and Italian Open.
At those events, he has picked up some big wins, including victories over Djokovic, Ben Shelton, and Matteo Berrettini.
He is trending in the right direction, and if he can keep performing as he has so far in 2026, it won’t be long before he breaks into the top 50.
Prizmic currently trails the world number 50, Terence Atmane, by 203 points.
It remains to be seen if and when Prizmic will become a top-50 player, but it will certainly be something to keep an eye on over the coming months.
