Lucky Loser Luca Nardi Pulls Off A Major Upset At Indian Wells

Young Italian world no. 123 Luca Nardi beats world no. 1 Novak Djokovic in three sets, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to secure the biggest win of his young career at the first Masters event of the year. He defeated his idol in 2 hours and 20 minutes, firing a total of 36 winners against the five-time champion, prompting another early exit for Djokovic.

© ATP Staff

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was far from his best. At no point in the match did he look comfortable playing the Italian, even when he had won the second. In the third, they played a long point with Djokovic fighting to save 5 break points in the second game, and although Djokovic raised his game slightly, Nardi did not back down and finally secured a break to lead 4-2. Nardi quickly gave the next game away to serve out the match at 5-3 and defeated Djokovic with a final ace in style.

Djokovic, with another early exit from the event, will have some more time on his hands to prepare for the next Masters event in Miami. The Italian is on a miracle run as he entered the main draw in the Californian desert as a lucky loser. He will be facing one of the home favourites, American no. 17 seed Tommy Paul, in the fourth round for a spot in the quarterfinals. Future is looking bright for Italy as their players flourish in the tennis scene.