Rome Previews: Novak Djokovic is back, and his timing may be perfect

Novak Djokovic vs. Dino Prizmic

Djokovic hasn’t played in two months, but his chances for a 25th major title improved during his time away. Carlos Alcaraz’s absence in Rome and Paris may give the Serb, who turns 39 next week, a jolt of optimism. He’ll start his abbreviated Roland Garros prep against Prizmic, a rising 20-year-old Croat.

The two have already had one tussle, at the Australian Open, which Djokovic won in four sets. But Prizmic has a feisty physical style that goes well with clay. Djokovic will need to come out of the gates quickly to match his young opponent’s energy. Winner: Djokovic

👉 Estimated start time: 8:10 a.m.

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Rafael Jodar vs. Nuno Borges

When March began, Jodar was an unknown hopeful ranked outside the Top 100; two months later he’s the 32nd seed in Rome. In between, the 19-year-old Spaniard made himself the ATP’s Next Big Thing with a 250 title, a 500 semifinal, a strong showing against Jannik Sinner, and some jaw-dropping ground-stroke m.p.h.s. How will he deal with the expectations that come with phenom status?

We’ll get an idea when he faces the 52nd-ranked Borges, a solid and occasionally dangerous Portuguese veteran who likes clay and has a knack for creating angles from both wings. They’ve never played. Winner: Jodar

👉 Start time: Not before 5:00 a.m.

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Karolina Muchova vs. Anastasia Potapova

When healthy, Muchova’s varied style makes her a perennial dark horse at any big tournament. Is Potapova in the process of becoming something similar?

The rangy Russian has always had the ball-striking skills, but never the emotional equilibrium, to reach the upper ranks. Until last week. Her semifinal run in Madrid, which included a win over Elena Rybakina, launched her from 97 to 38. Now she’ll need to take another step up.

The old Potapova was 1-4 against Muchova, who reached a final on clay in Stuttgart last month. Let’s see if this Potapova has any new answers for her. Winner: Muchova

👉 Estimated start time: 6:10 a.m.

▶️ STREAM live on the Tennis Channel app 🔗