Top-ranked Novak Djokovic has announced that he will be skipping the Miami Open, citing the need to balance his private and professional schedule. This decision comes shortly after his unexpected loss to unheralded Luca Nardi at Indian Wells. Djokovic expressed regret at not being able to engage with the passionate fans at the Miami Open, acknowledging the importance of finding equilibrium in his career at this stage.
In his third-round match at the BNP Paribas Open, Djokovic was defeated by Nardi in a closely contested 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 encounter. This loss marked a significant upset, as Nardi, ranked No. 123, became the lowest-ranked player to defeat Djokovic in a Grand Slam or ATP Masters 1000 level event, surpassing the previous record set by No. 122 Kevin Anderson in 2008 in Miami.
Nardi, a 20-year-old Italian, entered the tournament as a 'lucky loser,' a term used for players who narrowly miss out on qualifying but gain entry into the main draw as a replacement for an injured player who withdraws before the first round. Djokovic, a six-time champion in Miami, will be absent from the upcoming hardcourt tournament, which is set to commence next week.
