The Italian’s sudden stoppage and then a winner left Nole confused leading to the argument with the chair umpire.

Novak Djokovic gets into an argument with the chair umpire (Images via IMAGO, X)

For fans and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic alike, it was a big surprise in the third round of the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. Up against lucky loser Luca Nardi, the Serb is playing in the third round of the maiden Masters-1000 event of the season.

With many expecting it to be a cakewalk for the five-time Indian Wells champ, Nardi stunned everyone by winning the first set. The Italian earned a crucial break in the fifth game and then went on to hold his serve. Despite the best efforts from Djokovic, he couldn’t earn the break back and lost the first set 4-6.

Amid this, there was a big controversial moment. As he conceded the first set, Djokovic broke in the very first service game of Nardi to take a 2-0 lead in the second set. In the third game, Nardi put on a great fight and created multiple chances to break Nole. On the fifth break point, however, he was successful.

But the break came in a controversial style. With Djokovic on the verge of committing a double fault, his service was in but the Italian thought it was out and stopped momentarily. But he had a quick change of mind as he dropped a slice shot forcing the Serb to rush to the net and hit a backhanded slice himself.

But Nardi was well in time to get to it and hit the winner to which Djokovic was surprised as he didn’t even try hitting the ball. He quickly turned to the umpire who awarded the game to the 20-year-old. The top seed immediately questioned the umpire claiming he stopped because Nardi had stopped initially.

Nole demanded a hindrance and asked the umpire to replay the point. But the umpire didn’t change his decision and despite the argument remained adamant that simply stopping doesn’t warrant a hindrance. The 24-time singles Major winner tried his best to explain himself but the umpire didn’t flinch.

What are you talking about? He literally stopped and that’s it. He confused me completely. I stopped as well. How can you not make that judgement? Are you kidding me or what?

Said Djokovic to the umpire while asking for the hindrance.

Novak Djokovic wins the second set to force the final set

As Nardi won the game, it was 2-1 on the scoreboard for Nole. He broke the Italian once again to make it 4-2 and didn’t concede another break again. Eventually, he won the second set 6-3. The match will now be decided in the final set.
Novak Djokovic in action (Image via Imago)

The crowd did boo Nole, but he remained unbothered as Nardi’s reaction did look like he stopped mid-point. But on technical grounds, the umpire was right in his place as the game is controlled by the umpire’s calls.