Shockwave in Indian Wells as Luca NARDI knocks out Novak DJOKOVIC in masterful performance

Luca Nardi (No. 123) springs a major surprise, eliminating world No. 1 Novak Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to advance to the fourth round of Indian Wells. The Italian entered the main draw as a lucky loser and secured the biggest victory of his career, guaranteeing his entry into the top 100 for the first time at just 20 years old.

The first set was closely contested from the start, with both players showing their determination not to give many opportunities on their serves. Nardi was the first to earn a break point in the fifth game and capitalized on his first chance to take the lead. Without hesitation, he consolidated the advantage with his serve, leading 4-2.

There were no more break opportunities for either player for the rest of the set. Nardi claimed the set 6-4 with an aggressive game, producing 10 winners and 5 unforced errors compared to Djokovic's 8 winners and 4 unforced errors.

The 24-times Grand Slam champion responded in the second set, securing an early break to go up 2-0. However, the young Italian immediately recovered the break and leveled the set at 2-2. Despite Nardi's efforts, Djokovic was relentless with his serve for the rest of the set, conceding only one of the next 13 service points. He threatened Nardi with several break points to ultimately take the set 6-3.

It seemed like another day where the Serbian would comfortably come from behind, but Nardi showcased his best level and surprised the world No. 1 in the third set. The No. 123 player went for every point, boasting an impressive stat line of 16 winners and 4 unforced errors, compared to Djokovic's 2 winners and 2 unforced errors.

Nardi displayed versatility from all areas of the court, approached the net multiple times, and finally secured the crucial break in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead. The final moments of the match were highly tense, but Nardi pulled through to cause a major upset at Indian Wells, defeating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

This marks the first time Novak Djokovic has lost to a lucky loser in a Masters 1000 draw, and he disappointingly exits in the third round of Tennis Paradise. Nardi makes history as the lowest-ranked player to defeat 'Nole in a Masters 1000 or Grand Slam and remains in contention at Indian Wells. In the fourth round, he will face Tommy Paul (17th seed), who eliminated Ugo Humbert (14th seed).