Novak Djokovic has been a great opponent of the day in Indian Wells After his losing in the third round against Luca Nardi through 6-4, 3-6 and 6-3. The Italian surprised a world number 1 who was out of position for most of the match unable to find a formula to avoid the ‘bell’ of the tournament.
Djokovic congratulated his rival in a press conference. Bravo for him. He played great tennis, especially in the third set. I don’t know him very well, but I have seen some videos about him and I know that he has quality tennis,” he praised Nardi.
Of course, the Serbian is very clear about what this fight means to him. “I was surprised by my level, it was terrible. The result was negative for me”he clarified. “I helped him play well, with terrible mistakes, in defensive tennis and not playing the ball well in the third set. He was more aggressive than me”he complained.
Djokovic didn’t hide his concern about his start to the year, though three games lost at this point in the season. At the United Cup he lost against Alex de Minaur, at the Australian Open he was defeated by Jannik Sinner in the semifinals and at Indian Wells, his third tournament, he also suffered his third loss. Some numbers that don’t please the world number 1.
“I’m playing less tournaments, I’m choosing more and it’s not good to lose so early. I haven’t won any titles this year, something I’m not used to, but we have to keep going” reflected Djokovic. “I’m in a negative cycle after three or four tournaments where I haven’t been at my best level”he admitted.
Source: La Verdad
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