In a stunning upset at the BNP Paribas Open, 20-year-old Luca Nardi delivered a remarkable performance to defeat his boyhood idol and top-seeded player Novak Djokovic with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory in the third round.
Ranked No. 123, Nardi showcased a combination of poise and power to unsettle Djokovic, the world’s No. 1 player. The Italian player sealed his monumental win with an ace, dropping his racket and expressing disbelief before exchanging greetings with Djokovic at the net.
In a post-match interview on the Tennis Channel, Nardi described the victory as a “miracle” and emphasized the surreal nature of defeating Djokovic at his age and ranking. The 20-year-old, who initially entered the tournament as a “lucky loser,” secured his place in the main draw as a replacement for an injured player.
Nardi’s hard-hitting shots and strategic gameplay frustrated Djokovic throughout the match, setting the tone for an unexpected upset. The Italian’s surprise winner after an “in” call added to the drama, leading to Djokovic raising concerns with the official about a potential hindrance.
With this victory, Nardi not only advanced in the BNP Paribas Open but also made history by becoming the lowest-ranked player to defeat Djokovic in a Grand Slam or ATP Masters 1000 level event, surpassing the record set by No. 122 Kevin Anderson in 2008 in Miami.
