Novak Djokovic was defeated by Croatian qualifier Jakub Mensik, 18 years his junior, at the Italian Open on Friday, May 8, 2026. The match marked Djokovic's first appearance after a two-month hiatus due to a right knee injury.
Mensik, 20, won 6-4, 6-3 in the second round, showcasing powerful serves and consistent baseline play. Djokovic, 38, struggled with his timing and movement, likely affected by his recent layoff.
The Serbian star, a six-time champion in Rome, had been sidelined since March after undergoing minor knee surgery. He showed flashes of his usual form but could not match Mensik's intensity.
Mensik, ranked 54th, advances to face either Holger Rune or Lorenzo Musetti in the third round. Djokovic's defeat raises questions about his form ahead of the French Open, which begins later this month.
