Novak Djokovic suffered arguably the worst defeat of his career at Indian Wells, but it was his reaction to a controversial moment in the match that was the biggest disgrace.
During the second set, the Serbian blew up on the umpire because he believed that his opponent, Luca Nardi, had stopped during a rally. The live reaction from the umpire and the overwhelming response on social media did not agree with the defiant Djokovic, but you have to see the controversial play yourself.
Novak Djokovic confronts umpire at Indian Wells
Nardi, the world No. 123 who qualified as a “lucky loser” from another player withdrawing, appeared to hesitate while returning a serve from Djokovic. Although they played on, Djokovic eventually quit on the play, turning his attention to the umpire and initiating a heated exchange that went like this:
Djokovic: “He stopped.”
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Umpire: “Just because he stops it doesn’t mean the point stops.”
Djokovic: “Just because he stops it doesn’t mean the point stops… what are you talking about? You saw that reaction, he literally stopped. He completely confused me and I stopped as well. How can you not make that judgement? Are you blagging me or what?“
Umpire: “Are you wanting me to call a hindrance?”
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Djokovic: “Of course! Because he stopped. The guy stopped and he played the ball like this.”
Tennis fans do not side with Djokovic on social media
In the wake of the match, fans online were impressed with the umpire’s reaction and Nardi’s performance, but not so happy with the 24-time Grand Slam champ.
“I love Djoker but this is a tough look for him,” said a popular comment on Twitter/X.
“Even the announcers were flummoxed as to why Novak stopped,” another said in defense of the official. “He was completely wrong and the umpire explained the context magnificently and comprehensively.”
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It was Novak’s first defeat to a player ranked higher than No. 100 since he lost to Jiri Vesely in the Dubai quarter-finals in 2022