World No.1 Novak Djokovic gave credit to Luca Nardi after his third-round loss at Indian Wells but admitted his level was really bad. The Italian stunned the Serbian by 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to claim the biggest victory of his young career on Monday.
Djokovic had lost the Australian Open semifinal against Jannik Sinner and could not go deep at the BNP Paribas Open and thus he is trophyless so far in the season. Nardi came up with an impressive play but Djokovic was not pleased with his level.
With this win, Nardi became the lowest-ranked player to defeat Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 or Grand Slam level. He is also the fourth lowest-ranked player to beat a reigning World No. 1 at a Masters 1000.
“He really didn’t have anything to lose, so he played great. Deserved to win,” Djokovic told reporters. “I was more surprised with my level. My level was really, really bad.”
The Serbian admitted he made some sloppy unforced errors, which led to his downfall in the match.
“I made some really terrible unforced errors,” Djokovic said. “He just stepped in and he used the time. He was playing more free and more aggressive than I did…
“No titles this year yet, that’s not something I’m used to,” he said. “I was starting the season most of my career with a grand slam win or, you know, Dubai win, or any tournament,” he said.
Djokovic was not able to bring his best to the court and Nardi, who came into the main draw as a lucky loser, came up with an unbelievable performance.
Nardi will face home favorite Tommy Paul in the fourth round of the Indian Wells on Wednesday.
