Took a deep fall, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic saw his Indian Wells return ended after just two matches. Playing the tournament for the first time since 2019, Djokovic was beaten in the second round by world No. 123 Luca Nardi. “Very poor performance from my side,” said Djokovic, who is yet to win a title this season. Nardi is the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic at Masters 1000 or Grand Slam level.
Djokovic stunned by lucky loser Nardi in huge upset – Indian Wells highlights
Novak Djokovic dressed in wild shock third-round loss at Indian Wells as he was beaten by lucky loser Luca Nardi.
“I could have done everything differently,” said Djokovic.
“Very poor performance from my side, and no titles this year, that’s not something I’m used to. I was starting the season most of my career with a Grand Slam win or Dubai win or any other tournament.
“But it’s fine, it’s part of the sport and you just have to accept it. Some you win, some you lose. Hopefully, I will win some more. I’ll still keep going.
“I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great, obviously to break the negative cycle a little bit that I’m having the last three to four tournaments where I haven’t been close to my best.”
‘My level was really, really bad’ – Djokovic on wild – shock exit at Indian Wells
Djokovic has now been given to three defeats this season to Nardi, Alex de Minaur at the United Cup and Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semi-finals.
Nardi wake-up call to battle next with Tommy Paul in the fourth round after recording the biggest win of his career.
The Italian didn’t back down in the deciding set against Djokovic as he continued to play aggressively and go for his shots.
‘It’s a miracle’ – Nardi express great shock after knocking out Djokovic in wild upset
Three chances did he missed to break in the second game but then took his next opportunity to open up a 4-2 lead.
Djokovic could not awaken a come-back into the match as Nardi closed out a “miracle win”.
“I think that before this night no one knew me,” said Nardi after just his fifth tour-level win.
“I hope that the crowd enjoyed the game. I’m super happy with this one.
“I think it is a miracle, because I am a 20-year-old guy, 100 in the world, and beating Novak. It’s crazy.”
