Novak Djokovic just couldn’t keep his emotions in check after suffering a complete meltdown during his round of 32 loss to Luca Nardi at Indian Wells.
The world number one was knocked out of the event, dubbed tennis’ fifth major, by the world No. 123 in scenes that stunned fans.
The 36-year-old however stole the limelight away from the outcome when he lost his mind in the second set.
His ugly blowup over the loss of a point and service game sent the tennis world into a spin with many calling the Serbian out.
But now it’s an act he delivered shortly after the historic loss that’s painted the 24-time grand slam winner in an even uglier light.
As Djokovic approached the net to shake hands with his Italian opponent, he berated him over what he deemed to be a contentious point.
“It’s not right but bravo. It’s not right but bravo. It’s not right but bravo. No no no no. Bravo,” Djokovic is alleged to have said to his rival at the net.
The incident didn’t sit well with tennis fans as many were quick to condemn Djokovic over the ugly act.
Tennis journalist Ricky Dimon wrote: “Appalling that Djokovic brought up the stopping play incident when he shook Nardi’s hand at the net 1) that point had nothing to do with the outcome of the match, 2) it’s not Nardi’s call to make, 3) umpire made the right call. “Stopping” happens all the time and never called.”
Another user wrote: “I really thought he apologized at the net but I was wrong, He actually said ‘non era giusto, però bravo” which means “(what you did) was wrong, but you did well’ Absolutely disgraceful, Novak! He did nothing wrong ffs, you are just being a sore loser!”
![Novak Djokovic's ugly net exchange with world No.123 Luca Nardi revealed | 7NEWS](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-13917765/252e8f51e72c1120ece3eaa1527ce92be297963d-16x9-x0y2w1920h1080.jpg)
Fans sprung into action following the midgame incident and quickly highlighted Djokovic using the exact same tactic during the 2016 US Open Final against Stan Wawrinka.
Djokovic has now lost his only two tournaments in 2024 to Italian opponents following his loss to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semifinals.
“Congrats to him for particularly in the third set playing some great, great tennis,” Djokovic said after the match.
“He got in as a lucky loser to the main draw, so he really didn’t have anything to lose, he played great and 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.”
While Djokovic returns home, Nardi will take on American Tommy Paul in the round of 16 on Thursday.
News
Eminem’s ‘Rap God’ received praises from Ice Cube for one thing
Eminem’s “Rap God” isn’t just a hit; it’s a lyrical masterpiece that even Ice Cube himself applauds. In a recent interview with xxlmag.com, the legendary rapper praised…
Roger Federer’s Lobster Phobia: A Tennis Icon’s Unexpected Foe
Roger Federer, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, is known for his unparalleled skill, grace on the court, and unflappable demeanor…
Roger Federer’s Intimate Beach Escapes: Cherishing Every Moment with His Kids
Renowned tennis icon Roger Federer, known for his graceful presence on the court and his unwavering dedication to the sport, recently took a well-deserved break from his…
Father’s Fury: Novak Djokovic’s Dad Reveals Roger Federer’s Alleged Attack on Teenage Son
Novak Djokovic’s father once claimed that the Swiss Legend Roger Federer “attacked” his son when he was a teenager. Srdjan Djokovic, father of Novak Djokovic said in…
Lindsey Vonn Under Fire: Tennis Fans Slam Controversial GOAT Opinion Amidst Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic’s Influence
American alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn has once again landed herself in trouble with her post about the GOAT of tennis. As the 39-year-old Olympic champion shared…
Reliving Tennis History: Federer and Nadal’s Epic Showdown in the 2005 Miami Open Final
Roger Federer recently expressed nostalgia after stumbling across a highlight reel of his 2005 Miami Open final against Rafael Nadal, who was just 18 years old back…
End of content
No more pages to load