SriLanka, May 9 -- Novak Djokovic was beaten by gutsy qualifier Dino Prizmic on his return to action in the Italian Open second round.

World number four Djokovic was playing his first match since 12 March - and more crucially his first of the year on clay - after missing several tournaments with a shoulder injury.

A six-time champion in Rome, Djokovic started strongly but was laboured and looked to be struggling with illness in the second set.

However, that is to take nothing away from Croatia's Prizmic, who played bravely to overpower the Serb 2-6 6-2 6-4.

The 20-year-old, one of many players who counts Djokovic as his idol, wrote "Nole it was a pleasure" on the camera lens after the match.

Djokovic, who received a first-round bye i...