‘Really bad’… Novak Djokovic reveals what shocked him about himself during defeat to Luca Nardi

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Novak Djokovic has sensationally been dumped out of Indian Wells in just his second match.

The 36-year-old, who boasts five titles in the California desert across his illustrious career, was defeated by lucky loser Luca Nardi, only adding to the intrigue surrounding this result.

Frustration was etched across the face of the legendary tennis star, who had to remain magnanimous in his post-match assessment.

But there was one thing that shocked him most from the match…

What Novak Djokovic said about his loss

Djokovic, unsurprisingly given his perfectionist nature, was left frustrated with his performance following the Round of 32 loss to the world number 123.

It was a match that, on paper, he should have won with ease. But whether it be complacency, rustiness or something else entirely, a scintillating third set left the 22-time Grand Slam champion stunned.

Speaking after the match, he noted: ‘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 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. 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.’

The Indian Wells draw opens up

Well, with the top seed having been dumped out in just his second match, things are now really heating up in the California desert.

And whilst the reigning champion remains, Carlos Alcaraz’s patchy form means this tournament is certainly there for the taking for whoever should want it.

With Nardi now facing an in-form Tommy Paul in the next round, things get no easier for the Italian, whilst the rest of the Round of 16 throws up some mouth-watering clashes.

Daniil Medvedev vs Grigor Dimitrov promises to be a great battle, whilst Ben Shelton’s match with Jannik Sinner is certain to steal the show alongside Alexander Zverev vs Alex De Minaur.

Indian Wells boasts a stacked roster of stars who are still in the competition, and with Djokovic now out there will be renewed incentive for them all too.

Almost everyone playing has been thwarted by the legendary 36-year-old at some point in their career, so with him gone, it finally feels like an opportunity for someone new to step up and stamp their claim in his absence.