“My level was really bad,” After Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic finally opens up about losing yet again to a youngster and World No. 123 Luca Nardi at Indian Wells

The Serbian has started the 2024 season on a low.

“My level was really bad,” After Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic finally opens up about losing yet again to a youngster and World No. 123 Luca Nardi at Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic (via Imago)

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic had a terrible day at the office as he lost his third-round match in 2024 Indian Wells. The 36-year-old was pinned down by a player half his age and nowhere close to him in the rankings. Djokovic lost 4-6, 6-3, 3-6 to 20-year-old Italian Luca Nardi who is ranked 123rd in the world.

Djokovic’s defeat to Nardi is being touted as one of the biggest upsets in the Indian Wells Open history. The Serbian looked hapless during his match against Nardi and Djokovic admitted the same in the post-match press conference.

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While the Serbian lauded Nardi for his strong game and deemed him a talented player, Djokovic also claimed that his level was “really bad”. The 36-year-old lauded Nardi for his strong forehand and agility and said that the Italian deserved to win.

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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. He got in as a Lucky Loser to the main draw, so he really didn't have anything to lose, so he played great. Deserved to win.
Novak Djokovic said at the post-match press conference.

The five-time Indian Wells Open champion said that he was surprised by his level of tennis and claimed that him having a bad day and his opponent playing great tennis yielded a negative outcome for him.

I was more surprised with my level. My level was really, really bad. That's it, you know. 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.
Novak Djokovic said about his game.

Tough start to the 2024 season for Novak Djokovic

While Novak Djokovic won three of the four Grand Slam titles in the 2023 season, the Serbian has not gotten the same start to this season. Djokovic has suffered quite a few heartbreaks too early in the 2024 season.

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Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)

The first of the upsets came at the United Cup when Australia’s Alex de Minaur beat the 24-time Grand Slam champion. While Djokovic was still not over this loss, a humiliating defeat to Jannik Sinner in the 2024 Australian Open semifinal rubbed salt on his wounds.

The 36-year-old looked troubled throughout the tournament as he had to play some long matches a tad too early. In the semifinal, Djokovic was completely taken to the cleaners by Sinner who let the Serbian win only thirteen games in the match.

The situation seems to have worsened for Djokovic who suffered an early exit at the 2024 Indian Wells on his comeback after five years. It is to be seen how the World No. 1 bounces back from these setbacks.

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