Novak Djokovic suffered arguably the worst defeat of his profession at Indian Wells, however it was his response to a controversial second within the match that was the greatest shame.
Through the second set, the Serbian blew up on the umpire as a result of he believed that his opponent, Luca Nardi, had stopped throughout a rally. The reside response from the umpire and the overwhelming response on social media didn’t agree with the defiant Djokovic, however you need to see the controversial play your self.
Novak Djokovic confronts umpire at Indian Wells
Nardi, the world No. 123 who certified as a “fortunate loser” from one other participant withdrawing, appeared to hesitate whereas returning a serve from Djokovic. Though they performed on, Djokovic ultimately stop on the play, turning his consideration to the umpire and initiating a heated alternate that went like this:
Djokovic: “He stopped.”
Umpire: “Simply because he stops it does not imply the purpose stops.”
Djokovic: “Simply because he stops it does not imply the purpose stops… what are you speaking about? You noticed that response, he actually stopped. He fully confused me and I finished as effectively. How will you not make that judgement? Are you blagging me or what?“
Umpire: “Are you wanting me to name a hindrance?”
Djokovic: “After all! As a result of he stopped. The man stopped and he performed the ball like this.”
Tennis followers don’t aspect with Djokovic on social media
Within the wake of the match, followers on-line had been impressed with the umpire’s response and Nardi’s efficiency, however not so proud of the 24-time Grand Slam champ.
“I like Djoker however it is a robust search for him,” stated a well-liked touch upon Twitter/X.
“Even the announcers had been flummoxed as to why Novak stopped,” one other stated in protection of the official. “He was fully mistaken and the umpire defined the context magnificently and comprehensively.”
It was Novak’s first defeat to a participant ranked greater than No. 100 since he misplaced to Jiri Vesely within the Dubai quarter-finals in 2022.
