Andy Roddick criticized Novak Djokovic’s complaint against Nardi’s play interruption, labeling it a “desperation move” and attributing it to an “unforced error” on Djokovic’s part. Djokovic suffered a surprising 4-6, 6-3, 3-6 defeat to Nardi, ranked 123rd, in the third round of the Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 tournament.
During the match, Nardi appeared to anticipate an out call on Djokovic’s serve but continued playing and won the point, while Djokovic halted at the net, expecting the point to be replayed due to hindrance. Despite Djokovic’s protests, the umpire upheld the call, awarding Nardi the game.
Roddick said:
“It’s a desperation move, I don’t see any world where Novak should ever be desperate against someone ranked 123 in the world. One, the guy didn’t stop. Like, you watch it, he didn’t stop. Like, there have been 27 other clips of him (Djokovic) where, and I hate this, to turn back the clock 13 years and expect us to remember a certain point, but like there are all these things of Novak kind of definitely not stopping, but stopping way more than Nardi did in that point.
“Nardi did not stop. And even if your opponent stops, that doesn’t mean that you have to. Quite the opposite! If they stop, you keep going, you win the point.
“So it’s like, to choose to — one, be wrong about what someone else is doing. Then make the wrong decision on continuation, then make a stink about it to the ref, and then mention it to a young player who just had the biggest moment of their life at the handshake, is just an unforced error in my mind.”
Although the incident did not impact the outcome of the set, Djokovic mentioned it during his handshake with Nardi. The 36-year-old’s reaction drew criticism from the tennis community, with the US Open winner suggesting Djokovic’s complaint was a desperate move and an unforced error.
Djokovic’s unexpected defeat and subsequent reaction have sparked debate, highlighting the intensity and drama of professional tennis matches, even at the highest levels. As the tournament progresses, players and fans alike await further developments in this captivating saga.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
At the moment ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 11th of March when he capitulated to world no.96 Luca Nardi 6-4 3-6 6-3 in the 3rd round in Indian Wells (draw).
This season Novak achieved a composed 8-3 record. Novak Djokovic’s best result of this season was getting to the semifinal at the Australian Open.
Djokovic is scheduled to play next in Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (Monte–Carlo). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 7th of April.