Djokovic suffers shock first-round exit in Rome as Prizmic stuns former champion

Djokovic looked in complete control early on, claiming the first set 6-2 while dominating the longer rallies.

But the momentum shifted dramatically at the start of the second set as Prizmic broke serve to love before racing into a 3-0 lead with another break.

The Croat's aggressive shot-making increasingly unsettled Djokovic, who also appeared physically uncomfortable as the match wore on.

After taking the second set 6-2, Prizmic stayed composed in a tight decider, securing a crucial break at 2-2 before serving out a memorable 6-4 victory.

Both players dealt with physical issues during the contest. Prizmic took a medical timeout for a back problem, while Djokovic was seen taking medication for apparent stomach discomfort late in the match.

"To be honest, it's not ideal preparation," said Djokovic during his post-match press conference.

"I don't remember a moment in the last two and a half years that I haven't had a physical problem in preparation for a tournament. There is always something.

"It's a new reality that I have to deal with. It's frustrating. But at the same time, it's my decision to compete in these conditions. It is what it is. I don't know if I'll get to Roland Garros in good shape, I hope so.

"I didn't play too badly. To be honest, I don't think I played that badly. The second set was something to forget, obviously, because of how I felt on the court, but the first and third were good.

"In the end, you have to play matches for that, and you have to start somewhere. I wanted to start earlier, but I couldn't. So, yes, that's the way it is. The situation is as it is.

"You just adapt and get the most out of it. I train hard. I train as much as my body allows me to, but what happens on the court is really unpredictable."

Djokovic had not played a match since his fourth-round defeat to Jack Draper at the Indian Wells Masters, having taken time away from competition to recover from an apparent shoulder injury.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is next scheduled to compete at the French Open, which runs from May 24 to June 7, after choosing to skip the Geneva Open - a tournament he won 12 months ago.

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