Tennis LIVE: Sinner and Sabalenka matches postponed over weather as Djokovic crashes out
The Italian Open is underway, but the weather has caused some disruptions. Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka's matches have been postponed due to rain, while Novak Djokovic has crashed out in a shock defeat to qualifier Dino Prizmic. The world No. 4 had not played a match in almost two months and was making his competitive return in Rome, but his comeback is already over.
The Serbian superstar had a tough time in the second set, looking visibly unwell and struggling with his stomach. He eventually lost 2-6 6-2 6-4, with Prizmic taking the deciding set. This isn't the first time Prizmic has faced Djokovic, and the young Croatian left a big impression on the 24-time Grand Slam champion when he took a set off of Djokovic at the Australian Open.
Despite the setback, Djokovic remains optimistic and is confident that he will be back on the court soon. He has not played a match since losing to Jack Draper in the fourth round of Indian Wells in March, and his next tournament is expected to be the French Open.
In other news, the Italian Open is playing catch-up with the schedule after play was suspended on Wednesday evening due to rain. British qualifier Jacob Fearnley led Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 5-3 in the first set of their match on Court Pietrangeli when they were rained off, and they will return today.
The tournament is also dealing with withdrawals, including Emma Raducanu, who pulled out due to a post-viral infection. The British No. 1 is already targeting a new comeback date and is seeking a wildcard into the WTA 500 event in Strasbourg, beginning on May 17.
The Italian Open is a prestigious event, and the players are eager to make their mark. The tournament is set to continue, with the players battling it out on the courts. The weather may have caused some disruptions, but the tennis action is sure to be thrilling as the players strive to reach the top.
