Novak Djokovic made his long-awaited return to Indian Wells, California, after five years but was unexpectedly eliminated by 20-year-old Luca Nardi in a thrilling match on Monday. Djokovic, the world number one, had not played in the tournament since 2019 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and was hoping to secure his sixth title at the event. However, his dreams were dashed by the 123rd-ranked lucky loser.
Reflecting on his defeat, Djokovic acknowledged Nardi’s strong performance, stating, “He really didn’t have anything to lose, so he played great. Deserved to win.” The Serbian player expressed surprise at his own poor form, admitting, “My level was really, really bad. These two things come together. He’s having a great day, I’m having a really bad day.”
Despite Djokovic’s uncharacteristic errors, Nardi delivered a stellar performance, showcasing his speed and powerful shots to outplay the Grand Slam champion whom he idolized growing up. Djokovic noted, “I made some really terrible unforced errors.” He also highlighted Nardi’s aggressive and free style of play, emphasizing that the Italian capitalized on key moments to secure the victory.
Having also suffered a defeat to another Italian player, Jannik Sinner, in the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year, Djokovic expressed his intention to regroup and compete in the upcoming Miami Open. Admitting his unusual title drought, Djokovic stated, “No titles this year, that’s not something I’m used to.”
Djokovic reflected on his consistent success in previous seasons, where he typically started with a Grand Slam or tournament victory, emphasizing the importance of breaking his recent negative streak. Looking ahead, Djokovic expressed optimism about his future performances, aiming to return to his peak form and secure more titles to overcome his recent challenges on the court.
Despite the disappointing result in Indian Wells, Djokovic remains focused on his upcoming tournaments, including the Miami Open, where he will strive to bounce back and showcase his championship skills. The Serbian player’s determination and resilience are likely to drive him to seek redemption and reclaim his winning ways in the competitive world of professional tennis. Fans and observers will be eagerly watching Djokovic’s journey as he navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in his quest for continued success on the tour.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
