What happened when Novak Djokovic faced Grigor Dimitrov in practice match ahead of Rome Masters this week

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Novak Djokovic has some work to do ahead of opening his campaign at the Italian Open on Friday.

The Serbian has been short of tennis over the past two months having played just April’s Monte Carlo Masters since his early Indian Wells exit in March.

After skipping the Madrid Open, the World number one is ready to return to action in Rome and go in search of his seventh title. To help him prepare, Grigor Dimitrov played a practice set with him.

The Bulgarian suffered an opening round defeat in Madrid and is keen for a stronger run at the Foro Italico.

What happened in Djokovic and Dimitrov’s practice set?

Dimitrov served first and began with a wayward forehand, and that was the only poor error he made throughout the set.

Djokovic looked somewhat rusty as he produced some uncharacteristic errors, including one off a short forehand which went into the net. This resulted in a break of serve and allowed Dimitrov to go 4-2 up.

This came at the worst time for the 36-year-old who seemed to be making a comeback after initially being down 0-3.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion seemed to lack some sharpness as Dimitrov varied his play excellently. The 2017 ATP Finals winner produced some terrific serves and exquisite forehands to drag Djokovic out of position.

Though the tennis legend ended the set playing slightly better than he began, Dimitrov went on to win the practice set 6-3 and the pair shook hands with one another after the contest.

What is Novak Djokovic’s Italian Open draw?

Djokovic is keen to return to winning ways after suffering his first career defeat to Casper Ruud in the Monte Carlo semi-finals.

He will begin the Italian Open against the World Number 39 Roman Safiullin or Frenchman Corentin Moutet, who is ranked 83, in his first match on Friday.

Should he defeat Alejandro Tabilo or Jakub Mensik in round three and either Karen Khachanov or Francisco Cerundolo in round four, Djokovic could be set for a rematch against Ruud in the quarter-finals.

He could face Dimitrov or Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals while the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Madrid Open winner Andrey Rublev and even his great rival Rafael Nadal, could be standing across the net in the the final should be progress to that stage.