Novak Djokovic was furious in his defeat to world No. 123 Luca Nardi.

Novak Djokovic and Luca Nardi.

Novak Djokovic and Luca Nardi at the net after their Indian Wells match. (Image: Tennis TV.)

Novak Djokovic continued his protests at the net after being defeated 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 by lucky loser Luca Nardi at Indian Wells. The 20-year-old Italian is the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic at ATP Masters or Grand Slam level and the 24-time Major winner felt that the result was unjust.

 

Nardi had only been in the draw because of the withdrawal of another player, but produced the best tennis of his career and hit 34 winners on his way to a major upset. Djokovic, who is without a tournament title in 2024, took umbrage with the umpire and his tirade went on after the match.

He believed that Nardi had stopped playing during a point and felt that the official should have called a hindrance. Nardi had come to a full halt and believed that the ball would bounce out, only to hit it late when realising that it fell inside the court, with Djokovic himself stopping a few shots later as he felt put off by his opponent’s inaction.

Djokovic ranted to the umpire: “Just because he stopped doesn’t mean the point stopped? What are you talking about. You saw the reaction, he stopped, he literally stopped and that’s it. It confused me completely. I stopped as well. How can you not make that judgement? Are you blagging me or not?”

Serbian language comments from Novak Djokovic ahead of Australian Open

Novak Djokovic and Luca Nardi.

Novak Djokovic informing Luca Nardi that their match was “not right”. (Image: Tennis TV.)

The umpire felt that it was not grounds for a hindrance and Djokovic deemed it as an injustice, which is what he informed Nardi after the match. After the youngster had claimed the biggest scalp of his career, they met at the net to shake hands only for Djokovic to say: “It’s not right but bravo. It’s not right but bravo. It’s not right but bravo. No no no. Bravo.”

Nardi acted as a pacifier to the situation as Djokovic decided against congratulating his opponent and instead focused on what he felt was a contentious decision in the match.