‘My level was really, really bad’: Novak Djokovic stunned by ‘lucky loser’ Luca Nardi at Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic was stunned by world No. 123 Luca Nardi in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Monday as the Italian secured a remarkable 6-4 3-6 6-3 win.

Nardi was only playing after been awarded a ‘lucky loser’ spot having already lost in the qualifying rounds to David Goffin. A ‘lucky loser’ slot is given to players defeated in the qualifying phase allowing them to fill in the main draw for injured players who have to pull out before the first round.

Nardi has certainly made his participation count, beating Zhang Zhizhen in the second round of the main draw and then recording this impressive victory over Djokovic.

In doing so, Nardi became the lowest-ranked player to defeat Djokovic at the ATP Masters 1000 or grand slam level, according to the ATP. The 20-year-old also is now the fourth lowest-ranked player to beat a reigning world No. 1 at a Masters 1000 event.

After the defeat, Djokovic was extremely critical of his own performance, while also acknowledging Nardi deserved the win.

“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. I was more surprised with my level. My level was really, really bad,” Djokovic said.

“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.”