Top-ranked Novak Djokovic will skip the Miami Open, saying less than a week after a surprise loss at Indian Wells that he needs to balance his “private and professional schedule.” Djokovic’s announcement Saturday on his social media accounts follows his 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 defeat to unheralded Luca Nardi on Monday in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.
Quick Read
- Novak Djokovic announced he will not participate in the Miami Open, citing the need to balance his private and professional life.
- This decision follows Djokovic’s unexpected loss to Luca Nardi in the third round of the Indian Wells tournament.
- Djokovic expressed regret at missing the opportunity to engage with some of the most passionate fans in the world.
- Luca Nardi, ranked No. 123, achieved a notable victory over Djokovic, becoming the lowest-ranked player to defeat him in a Grand Slam or ATP Masters 1000 level event since Kevin Anderson in 2008.
- Nardi entered the main draw as a “lucky loser” after an original entrant withdrew due to injury.
- Djokovic, a six-time Miami Open champion, will miss the upcoming hardcourt tournament starting next week.
The Associated Press has the story:
Novak Djokovic withdraws from the Miami Open starting next week
Newslooks- MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) —
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic will skip the Miami Open, saying less than a week after a surprise loss at Indian Wells that he needs to balance his “private and professional schedule.”
Djokovic’s announcement Saturday on his social media accounts follows his 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 defeat to unheralded Luca Nardi on Monday in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.
“At this stage of my career, I’m balancing my private and professional schedule. I’m sorry that I won’t experience some of the best and most passionate fans in the world,” Djokovic wrote.
Nardi, who is ranked No. 123, become the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam or ATP Masters 1000 level event, surpassing No. 122 Kevin Anderson in 2008 in Miami.
The 20-year-old Italian got into the field as a “lucky loser,” which is a player who stumbled on the final hurdle in qualifying but made it into the main draw as a replacement for an injured player who pulled out before the first round.
The 36-year-old Djokovic is a six-time champion in Miami. The hardcourt tournament begins next week.
