Indian Wells: What did a frustrated Djokovic say after shock defeat to Nardi?

Novak Djokovic was disappointed he could not show his best tennis after his defeat in the third round to Luca Nardi at the BNP Paribas Open on Monday.

The young Italian, No. 123 in the ATP Rankings, became the lowest-ranked player to defeat Djokovic at the ATP Masters or in a Grand Slam after the 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 success over his idol.

Djokovic was seeking a record sixth win at Indian Wells on his return to the Masters 1000 event for the first time since 2019, but the shock loss leaves the 24-time Slam winner still searching for his first title of 2024.

The Serbian superstar struggled to find his rhythm for most of the match and strikingly failed to match his opponent’s aggressive shot-making, with Nardi claiming 16 winners to Djokovic’s two in the decisive third set.

An undoubtedly frustrated Djokovic was disappointed he could not show the best version of himself against a determined opponent with little to lose.

“He really didn't have anything to lose, so he played great. Deserved to win. I was more surprised with my level. My level was really, really bad,” Djokovic said after the shock defeat. “These two things come together. He's having a great day; I'm having a really bad day. Results as a negative outcome for me.

“I made some really terrible unforced errors. Just quite defensive tennis, and not much on the ball in the third and that's it,” continued Djokovic. “He just stepped in and he used the time that he had. He was playing more free and more aggressive than I did and going for his shots and that break on 3-2 in the third was enough.

“No titles this year. That's not something I'm used to. I was starting the season most of my career with a Grand Slam win or a Dubai win or any tournament. It is part of the sport. You just have to accept it. Some you win; some you lose. Hopefully, I'll win some more and still keep going.

“I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great. Obviously, to break the kind of negative cycle a little bit I'm having in the last three, four tournaments where I haven't really been close to my best.”

Following his early exit at Indian Wells, Djokovic could participate at the Miami Open commencing on March 20, the Masters event preceding the start of the clay season in April, as the legendary tennis player seeks his first title of the new year.