The long-awaited return of Novak Djokovic to competition ended in disappointment. Absent since Indian Wells, the Serbian was defeated in the second round of the Internazionali d'Italia by 20-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic, after winning the opening set. Visibly unwell, Djokovic never found his rhythm in the final two sets.

The early stages offered a familiar script. Djokovic, solid on serve, controlled the first set with his customary authority. But what followed told a different story: heavy legs, shortened movements, the Serbian gradually succumbed to the power and energy of the young Croatian.

Prizmic, who came through qualifying, showed no nerves against the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Aggressive on return and precise in his tactical choices, the Zagreb native exploited every sign of weakness to complete the biggest win of his young career.

For Djokovic, this premature exit raises legitimate concerns with Roland-Garros just three weeks away. His extended absence from the tour, combined with this illness episode, seriously complicates his clay-court preparation. At 39, every missed tournament weighs heavier in the equation.

The question now: will the Serbian have time to find his level before the Porte d'Auteuil? His Roman campaign was supposed to be a launchpad. It became a warning sign.