“Novak Djokovic is 100% wrong” “Tries to HUNT for reasons to victimise himself” – Serb’s heated exchange with umpire in Indian Wells 3R loss irks fans

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Novak Djokovic experienced an unexpected 4-6, 6-3, 3-6 defeat against lucky loser Luca Nardi in the Indian Wells Masters Round of 32. The match was marked by a controversial moment in the second set when Djokovic stopped a point, seeking a hindrance call from the chair umpire. Despite Nardi’s stellar shot-making, earning him a deserved 6-4 win in the first set, Djokovic responded strongly in the second set, taking a 2-0 lead. However, the 20-year-old Nardi remained resilient and was on track to break Djokovic in the third game.

Novak Djokovic’s surprising 4-6, 6-3, 3-6 defeat to lucky loser Luca Nardi at the Indian Wells Masters included a controversial moment during the second set when Djokovic stopped a point, requesting the chair umpire to call hindrance. Despite Djokovic’s strong response in the second set, Nardi’s stellar shot-making allowed him to deservedly clinch the first set 6-4. The 20-year-old displayed resilience, remaining unfazed and challenging Djokovic’s lead in the third game.

In a pivotal moment, Djokovic served with Nardi holding an advantage, and there was a split-second uncertainty as the ball seemed to be out. Both players paused briefly, with the young Italian appearing to stop for a fraction of a second before returning Djokovic’s serve. The Serb rushed towards the net, executed a slice drop shot, but then halted. Meanwhile, Nardi played a drop shot of his own and won the point, adding a layer of drama to the match.

Djokovic engaged in a heated exchange with the chair umpire, expressing confusion over Nardi’s temporary halt and insisting on a hindrance call. The 24-time Grand Slam winner sought intervention, but the chair umpire refused, explaining that Nardi’s momentary stop did not equate to stopping the point. The incident added tension to the match at Indian Wells.

Djokovic engaged in a heated exchange with the chair umpire, expressing confusion over Nardi’s temporary halt and insisting on a hindrance call. Despite Djokovic’s demands, the chair umpire stood firm, explaining that Nardi’s momentary stop did not constitute stopping the point. The disagreement added a contentious element to the match at Indian Wells.

The exchange between Djokovic and the chair umpire triggered criticism from fans on social media. According to one user on X (formerly Twitter), Djokovic was deemed “100% wrong” in demanding a hindrance call. The incident sparked discussions and differing opinions among tennis enthusiasts online.

Novak Djokovic congratulated Luca Nardi after the match.

Luca Nardi (L) and Novak Djokovic (R) at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters

Novak Djokovic, during his press interaction after the third-round match at Indian Wells, extended congratulations to the Italian youngster, acknowledging Luca Nardi’s victory.

“Congrats to him for particularly in the third set playing some great, great tennis. I watched him play. I didn’t know much about him, but I watched him play, and I knew he possesses great quality tennis from the baseline, especially the forehand side. Moves well. Very talented.”

the World No. 1 said.

While acknowledging Luca Nardi’s deserved victory, Novak Djokovic was critical of his own performance, expressing dissatisfaction with his level of play during the match at Indian Wells.

“(Nardi) Deserved to win. I was more surprised with my level. My level was really, really bad.”

Novak Djokovic added.

Luca Nardi is slated to face Tommy Paul in the Round of 16 after Paul advanced by defeating Ugo Humbert with a score of 6-4, 6-4 in the Round of 32. The upcoming match promises an intriguing showdown between the two players at Indian Wells.

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