SUMMARY
- Luca Nardi shocks tennis world by defeating world no. 1 Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells, entering top 100 for the first time.
- Fans hail Nardi's upset victory, noting his tactical brilliance over world no. 1.
In a stunning upset at Indian Wells, Luca Nardi, ranked 123rd in the world, delivered a masterful performance to knock out the world No. 1, Novak Djokovic. The Italian entered the main draw as a lucky loser securing a historic victory and cementing his entry into the top 100 for the first time at 20 years old.
Fans were left in awe as Nardi triumphed over his idol, Novak Djokovic, in a thrilling match that went 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in Nardi’s favor. Social media erupted with reactions, with one fan exclaiming, “WHAT AN UPSET! 20-year-old Italian lucky loser Luca Nardi… beats his idol, #1 and five-time Indian Wells champ Novak Djokovic!”
WHAT AN UPSET!
20yo Italian lucky loser Luca Nardi, ranked #123 in the world, beats his idol, #1 and five-time Indian Wells champ Novak Djokovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the last 16!
First time Djokovic loses vs. a LL in his career.
Incredible! pic.twitter.com/1pnALqup4w
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 12, 2024
Another fan highlighted Nardi’s tactics, stating, “Do we think Nardi has got tactics from Sinner? He seems to be playing Novak’s backhand more than I can remember anybody doing that?” Following his remarkable victory, Nardi expressed his disbelief and joy. In a candid admission, he said, “I think before this night no one knew me…I think this is a miracle…beating Novak. Crazy.”
Luca Nardi after beating Novak Djokovic:
Luca: “I think before this night no one knew me. I hope now the crowd enjoyed the game. I’m super happy with this one.”
“4 weeks ago you lost to the world #462. You’ve just beaten the world #1. How did you keep your nerve?”
Luca: “I… pic.twitter.com/E8pFDixrQA
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 12, 2024
Fans also reminisced about Nardi’s journey, sharing a throwback picture of him and his childhood friend, and Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz. The match itself was a display of Nardi’s determination and tennis skills on the court. Nardi’s historic win marks the first time Djokovic or any world no. 1 has lost to a lucky loser adding to the significance of the moment.
Luca Nardi joined an exclusive list tonight! 👏 pic.twitter.com/myb78MovpD
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 12, 2024
Luca Nardi and Carlos Alcaraz back in 2017 pic.twitter.com/jdDuHro5tM
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) March 12, 2024
As Nardi continues his journey at Indian Wells, facing Tommy Paul in the fourth round, tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate what further surprises the young Italian may have in store. His close friend and defending champion at Indian Wells, Carlos Alcaraz who also has reached the fourth round would surely have congratulated him in person!
Luca Nardi’s remarkable rise in professional tennis
Luca Nardi has emerged as a rising star in the world of professional tennis. With a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 106 achieved in February 2024, Nardi has steadily climbed the ranks, showcasing his talent on the court. Nardi’s journey to success saw significant milestones, particularly in 2022, when he made waves in the ATP Challenger Tour.
Winning four Challenger titles in that year, including victories at the Citta di Forli Challenger and the Rafa Nadal Open in Mallorca, Luca Nardi demonstrated his prowess and versatility as a player. These achievements propelled him into the top 150 rankings, marking a significant breakthrough in his career.
However, it was in 2023 and 2024 that Nardi truly made headlines with his remarkable performances on the ATP tour. He made his debut at an ATP Masters 1000 tournament last year in Monte Carlo at just 19 years of age where he reached the Round of 32, further bringing him into the spotlight.
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From securing his first Masters wins to defeating the world No. 1, Novak Djokovic, in a stunning upset at Indian Wells 2024, Nardi’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His triumph over Djokovic not only marked a historic moment in his career but also catapulted him into the top 100 rankings for the first time.