Luca Nardi has left the tennis world stunned, by knocking out Novak Djokovic in the Indian Wells Round of 32.
The Italian, who only gained his place in the tournament as a Lucky Loser, did what few believed he could and defeated the top seed to set up a Round of 16 clash with US player Tommy Paul.
As a relative unknown to most, the 20-year-old has enjoyed a steady start to his young career, competing with some impressive players.
However, this marks the true breakthrough for the world number 123, who has seen praise pour in following the result.
What Liam Broady said about Luca Nardi
Having endured a career laden with controversy and near-misses, Great British player Liam Broady will be hoping that this can mark the catalyst that sparks a stunning future into action.
After all, on many occasions has he had his own false dawns, in which he threatened to emerge as a useful asset for Great British tennis before failing to make the grade.
That being said, he has still enjoyed a stellar ten years at the top of the game, even enjoying famous wins over Casper Ruud, Hubert Hurcacz and Diego Schwartzmann.
Simply, taking to X, the 30-year-old would issue the following brief but impassioned statement lauding the new starlet seemingly set for a bright career.
He claimed: ‘One thing I will also say is that Luca Nardi is one of the nicest, humblest guys on tour! Happy for him and hope this is the start of a big career.’
Luca Nardi shocks Novak Djokovic and the tennis world
Taking the first set against Djokovic, already people were left stunned with Nardi’s conduct.
After all, it was a match in which the Serbian was expected to win with ease, cruising into the next round of the prestigious Californian competition.
And when he took the second set, it felt like normal service had been resumed.
However, having admitted that he could not believe just how bad he was during the deciding set, Nardi took full advantage to claim a shock victory.
With this praise from Broady now emerging, it is clear that some stars already on the tour had been taking note of this youngster way before this outstanding victory.
And now, having stamped his name in history as one of few to claim they have knocked Djokovic out of a tournament of this prestige, the rest of the world will likely start taking a closer look at this unknown quantity seeking to shake up Indian Wells.
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