Novak Djokovic loses to qualifier, says he's missing half-step - ESPN
Novak Djokovic was beaten by a Croatian qualifier 18 years younger than him at the Italian Open on Friday in his first match after two months out due to a right shoulder injury.
Croatia Sport News
Djokovic falls in Italian Open second round to qualifier Prizmic
ROME: Novak Djokovic was eliminated from the Italian Open in the second round on Friday by Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was making his comeback from a shoulder injury in the last big tournament before the French Open. Djokovic was playing for the first time since losing in the last 16 at Indian Wells in March, having pulled out of tournaments in Miami, Monte Carlo and Madrid. The 38-year-old had not been knocked out this early in a tournament since the Madrid Open last year, and looked a long way from the player who has won six Rome titles. Playing with a shoulder brace, Djokovic had breezed through the first set helped by Prizmic’s 13 unforced errors. But the world number four’s hitting started to look increasingly tentative as Prizmic rattled off four straight games at the start of the second set with his powerful ground strokes finding their mark. Prizmic came to the Italian capital with a career-high ranking of 79 after reaching the third round in Madrid — beating world number six Ben Shelton in the process — and had also dispatched Marton Fucsovics to set up his clash with Djokovic. The 20-year-old reached the third round of a second consecutive Masters 1000 event with the biggest scalp of his career to date. Djokovic is Prizmic’s idol, and a landmark win gives the young talent a match with either Ugo Humbert or Vit Kopriva and a chance to make the fourth round of a top-tier event on the ATP Tour for the first time.
Retire? New AC Milan Deal? Luka Modrić's Big Decision As World Cup Looms
Luka Modrić is facing a major decision about his future after suffering a facial injury while playing for AC Milan. The 40-year-old Croatian must now choose between extending his stay at San Siro or bringing his remarkable career to an end.
Modric undergoes cheekbone surgery weeks before World Cup
April 28 : Luka Modric has undergone successful surgery after fracturing his left cheekbone, the Croatian Football Federation said on Monday, weeks before the 40-year-old AC Milan midfielder is due to participate in his fifth World Cup.
Croatia midfielder Modric to undergo surgery on cheek fracture
April 27 : Croatia midfielder Luka Modric will undergo surgery for a fractured left cheekbone, his Serie A club AC Milan said on Monday, weeks before the 40-year-old is due to participate in his fifth World Cup.
Newcastle's Guimaraes nears comeback after two months out
April 17 : Newcastle United may be boosted by the return of captain Bruno Guimaraes after a two-month absence due to a hamstring injury when they host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, manager Eddie Howe said.
Notre Dame, Villanova start men's, women's basketball season in Rome - ESPN
Notre Dame and Villanova will play a men's and women's basketball doubleheader in Rome to open the season on Nov. 1.
Villa's Watkins looking to make late push for England World Cup squad
April 17 : Ollie Watkins still has hope of making England's World Cup squad despite being dropped for last month's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, with the Aston Villa forward saying all he can do in the last few weeks of the season is score goals.