Novak Djokovic found himself in a heated confrontation with the chair umpire during their third-round clash at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters, disputing the lack of a hindrance call for Luca Nardi. After a strong performance by Nardi in the opening set, winning 6-2, Djokovic rallied in the second set, taking a 2-0 lead. However, Nardi’s immediate break back sparked controversy, adding tension to their match.
Amidst the controversy, Luca Nardi, believing Novak Djokovic’s serve had landed out, played a weak return and appeared to momentarily stop before resuming and chasing down the shot. Despite the pause, Nardi managed to convert the break point, winning the game and contributing to the intense atmosphere during their third-round clash at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters.
Novak Djokovic, also pausing in response to the Italian’s hesitance, found himself bewildered by the peculiar turn of events. Expressing his grievance, Djokovic approached the chair umpire, but the umpire asserted that despite the Italian’s hesitation, the point had not been stopped and was completed. The umpire’s decision further fueled the controversy in their third-round clash at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters.
“He didn’t make a call. He didn’t actually stop the point,” the chair umpire responded. “Just because he’s stopped doesn’t mean
the point stopped.”
Expressing his confusion over Luca Nardi’s actions, Novak Djokovic argued that he was “completely confused” and urged the chair umpire to issue a hindrance call against the 20-year-old Italian during their third-round clash at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. The incident added tension to the match and became a focal point of discussion.
“Just because he stopped doesn’t mean the point stopped? What are you talking about? He literally stopped and that’s it and he confused me completely because I stopped as well. How can you not make that judgement?”
he said.
Despite the earlier controversy, Novak Djokovic rebounded in the second set, winning 6-3 and forcing a decider. However, Luca Nardi showcased resilience, securing a hard-fought 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory over the World No. 1. This triumph marked the biggest win of Nardi’s career and added an unexpected chapter to their match at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters.
After beating Novak Djokovic, Luca Nardi to take on Tommy Paul in Indian Wells 4R.
BNP Paribas Open 2024 – Day 9
Luca Nardi’s triumph not only marked a significant upset but also thwarted Novak Djokovic’s aspirations of securing his sixth title at the Indian Wells Masters and breaking his tie with Roger Federer. Following the massive upset, Nardi is set to face Tommy Paul in the fourth round, extending the unpredictability of the tournament.
Tommy Paul secured a dominant 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ugo Humbert in the third round, earning a spot in the Round of 16 at the Masters 1000 event. If Luca Nardi continues his fairytale run and emerges victorious against Paul, he will progress to face the winner of the match between Casper Ruud and Gael Monfils in the quarterfinals. Nardi’s journey adds an exciting element to the upcoming rounds at the Indian Wells Masters.