Luca Nardi had an unexpected run of success in Indian Wells over the past few days. © APA / CLIVE BRUNSKILL

The fairy tale of Djokovic's defeater Nardi is over

Emma Navarro from the USA surprisingly knocked world number two Aryna Sabalenka out of the tournament in the round of 16 at the Masters in Indian Wells. In the men's race, however, Luca Nardi was unable to surpass himself a second time.

March 14, 2024

From: dpa/fop

On Wednesday (local time) Navarro, who started the tournament as 23rd in the world rankings, won 6:3, 3:6, 6:2 against the Belarusian Australian Open winner.

This is the first time Navarro has reached the quarterfinals of Indian Wells. “It is never easy to play against such an experienced and talented opponent. “She made it really difficult for me, but I managed to play good tennis in big moments,” said the 22-year-old Navarro about her surprise success. In the quarterfinals she will face the Greek Maria Sakkari.

Gauff dominates

Meanwhile, world number three Coco Gauff from the USA did better and dominated the duel against Belgian Elise Mertens 6:0, 6:2.

In the men's race, however, Luca Nardi was unable to surpass himself a second time. After the 20-year-old from Pesaro defeated world number one Novak Djokovic in the round of XNUMX, Nardi was eliminated in the quarter-finals.

Luca Nardi (l.) and Tommy Paul (r.) shaking hands. © ANSA / JOHN G. MABANGLO

Nardi had to admit defeat to the American Tommy Paul 4:6, 3:6. Nardi, currently number 123 in the world, only qualified for the main draw as a lucky loser.