Shock! Djokovic unexpectedly knocked out by a player from the second 100 of the rankings. Not even an exchange with the umpire after a controversial moment saved him

The world’s top players are gathered in Indian Wells and most of the favourites continue to fight for the title. But the surprise came from the world number one. Novak Djokovic fell to Italian Nardi. How did the match go and how is this defeat a first for Djokovic? The Serbian tennis player also let himself be upset by a controversial moment, what was it all about?

Djokovic at Indian Wells

The tournament in California is only the second event the current world number one has competed in this year. However, it did not turn out at all as the Serbian tennis player expected.

Instead of mending the taste after the semi-final defeat at the opening Grand Slam in Australia, an even bigger blunder is coming. In Indian Wells, Djokovic retires in his second match of the tournament.

The match against Italian Nardi should not have been a difficult one at all. After all, the 20-year-old Italian is ranked in the second 100th position and already lost in qualifying in California. He is playing here as a lucky loser.

Surprising defeat

The first set was quite even. Djokovic threatened his opponent’s serve more, but didn’t get a break point. Nardi used his only one and won the first set.

Djokovic won the second set and seemed to have the match back in his hands. The opposite was true. In the deciding set, the Italian served better and, after gaining a break in the sixth set, he steered the match towards the biggest surprise of the tournament so far.

And this defeat is hardly something to overcome in California. After all, Djokovic hasn’t lost to a player from a similar spot in the ATP rankings since 2008.

A disputed ball

Djokovic also gave vent to his emotions. In the following exchange, the younger player won an important game. Much to Djokovic’s displeasure. He argued that the Italian had ended the exchange. The umpire’s view of the matter was different.

We can give the umpire the benefit of the doubt. The Italian youngster enjoyed the victory of a lifetime and is looking forward to the eight-final match. There he will face the home team’s Tommy Paul, who is seeded number 17, and it will be interesting to see how the American will take advantage of the paper simplification of his next promotion.

Source: Tennis Majors, X