Novak Djokovic knocked out by lucky loser Luca Nardi

Wednesday, 13 March 2024 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

World number one Novak Djokovic was beaten by 20-year-old lucky loser Luca Nardi in round three at Indian Wells.

Italian Nardi, ranked 123 in the world, had originally been knocked out in qualifying but reached the main draw after another player’s withdrawal.

He hit 34 winners in a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over the 24-time Grand Slam champion, converting match point with an ace.

“It’s crazy,” said Nardi, the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic at ATP Masters 1,000 or Grand Slam level.

“I don’t know [how I held my nerve], I think it is a miracle, because I am a 20-year-old guy, and beating Novak.”

Djokovic, 36, who was beaten by eventual winner Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, is yet to win a tournament this year.

“No titles this year. That’s not something I’m used to,” said the Serb, who hit 17 winners but made nine unforced errors.

Nardi, who was beaten by Belgium’s David Goffin in the final round of qualifying, said it was an “amazing feeling”.“I couldn’t even imagine to play a match against him, and now I also beat him,” he added.

“It’s such a dream come true for me. After the match, my coaches told me, Luca, everyone was cheering for you. Incredible. Against Djokovic, he’s the best player ever.

“I will keep it, this moment, for the rest of my life.”

Nardi will play Tommy Paul in the last 16, with the American progressing courtesy of a 6-4 6-4 win over France’s Ugo Humbert.