Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic stunned his childhood idol Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the second round of the Italian Open on Friday. It marked Djokovic's first opening-match loss in 19 appearances at the tournament.
Djokovic, a six-time champion playing his first clay match of the year, took the first set but faded as the 20-year-old Prizmic took control with aggressive forehand winners. The Serbian struggled with exhaustion and backhand errors.
"Big respect for Novak, he's my idol, so it was definitely a great match for me," said Prizmic, ranked 79th.
Prizmic broke decisively in the third set after two backhand errors from Djokovic, then sealed the win with an ace. He also beat world number six Ben Shelton in Madrid last month.
Djokovic will chase a record 25th Grand Slam at the French Open starting May 24, two days after he turns 39.