World number 123 Luca Nardi created a sensation at the BNP Paribas Open by defeating top seed Novak Djokovic. Italy’s 20-year-old Luca Nardi produced a sensational result by beating his childhood idol and top seed 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the third round.
Nardi, ranked 123 in the world, pulled off a major upset by beating number one Djokovic. After the victory, he threw his racket and covered his face with his hands. Later he said it was a miracle. “I’m only twenty years old and I’m ranked over a hundred and I beat Novak.”
Nardi is the lowest-ranked player to defeat Djokovic in a Grand Slam or ATP Masters 1000-level tournament. He was previously beaten by 122nd-ranked Kevin Anderson in Miami in 2008.
Nardi surprised Djokovic in the third round. The loss ended Djokovic’s quest to claim a record sixth title at the tournament. Djokovic has yet to win a title in 2024. Earlier at the Australian Open in January, he had to face a semi-final loss to Yannick Siner.
During the match, Djokovic was also seen arguing with Nardi and the umpire. They discussed the time required for the shot. However, the umpires sided with Nardi. Despite this controversy, Djokovic could not defeat the Italian player. Nardi recorded the biggest win of his career.
