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Novak Djokovic has come under fire for his actions during and after his shock loss to Luca Nardi at Indian Wells on Tuesday. The World No.1 engaged in a war of words with the chair umpire as he suffered a historic loss against the little-known Italian in the third round.
Nardi – the World No.123 – was only featuring in the men’s draw as a lucky loser but stunned the tennis world after ousting Djokovic 6-4 3-6 6-3. The loss marked the first time in the glittering career of the 24-time grand slam winner that Djokovic has lost to a ‘lucky loser’.
The Italian is also the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic at ATP Masters 1000 or grand slam level. Nardi only earned his spot in the men’s draw following an injury to World No.30 Tomas Martin Etcheverry, but made the most of his opportunity.
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The 20-year-old Italian – who admitted he’d grown up idolising Djokovic – frustrated the top seed all match and took the opening set in deserved fashion, with a combination of poise and power. Djokovic’s mood went from bad to worse in the second set when his opponent benefited from a bizarre moment to claim a point on the Serb’s serve.
Nardi was surprised by an ‘in’ call off the Djokovic serve and casually hit the ball back over the net, as if the point was over. Djokovic came into the net to hit a drop shot but when no call came from the chair umpire, the Italian raced in and hit a winner to the bemusement of Djokovic
