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Novak Djokovic's return to the Italian Open was meant to be a reassuring step before Roland Garros, but it ended up raising more uncomfortable questions than answers. The Serbian great, back after nearly two months away from competition, suffered a stunning second-round defeat to 20-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic in Rome.

What began like a routine comeback quickly turned into a worrying evening as Novak Djokovic faded after taking the opening set. The loss itself was surprising, but the manner of it will concern his fans even more.

With the French Open now close, Novak Djokovic's fitness, rhythm and clay-court readiness are all under the spotlight. For a champion who has built his career on certainty in the biggest moments, this was a rare evening full of doubt.

Novak Djokovic's Rome return raises fresh fitness alarm

Novak Djokovic started well against Prizmic and looked in control after winning the first set, but the match changed sharply from there. The 24-time Grand Slam champion began looking slower in rallies, struggled to impose himself from the baseline and appeared short of the sharpness usually associated with him. His right shoulder was taped, which only added to the feeling that this was not simply a bad day at the office.

After the defeat, Novak Djokovic admitted he was still some way from the level he expects of himself. 'I see what I’m missing,' he said. 'Late half a step. I’m not definitely where I want to be for the highest level and to compete at the highest level and to be able to get far.' That line felt telling. Novak Djokovic is usually the player who makes others feel late, rushed and uncomfortable. In Rome, he was the one chasing the pace.

Dino Prizmic grabs the moment against his idol Novak Djokovic during Italian Open

While Novak Djokovic's condition will dominate the discussion, Prizmic deserves real credit. The Croatian qualifier did not panic after losing the first set 2-6. Instead, he played with courage, power and patience, dragging Djokovic into longer exchanges and forcing him to defend more than he would have liked. His 6-2, 6-4 response in the next two sets showed not just talent, but nerve.

This was not a fluke built only on Djokovic’s physical struggles. Prizmic played like someone who believed the upset was possible. Novak Djokovic also praised him after the match, saying, 'He’s a great competitor, great fighter, a great kid.' He added that Prizmic’s forehand had improved a lot, a generous but also honest observation from a player who knows exactly what elite tennis looks like.

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French Open doubt suddenly feels serious

The biggest concern now is what this means for the French Open. Djokovic has confirmed he will not play another tournament before Roland Garros, which means he is set to arrive in Paris with only one clay-court match behind him this season. For any player, that would be risky. For a 38-year-old trying to chase a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, it feels even more delicate.

Djokovic did not hide from the uncertainty. 'Eventually you have to play. You have to start somewhere,' he said, while admitting he trains only as much as his body allows.

Asked whether he was confident of being in good shape for the French Open, his answer was blunt: 'I don't know.' He then smiled and added, 'I hope so.' That is the line that will travel. Djokovic may still be dangerous in Paris, because he is Djokovic, but Rome showed that his body is now as big an opponent as anyone across the net.