Novak Djokovic in unfamiliar territory after 'really, really bad' return to Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic returned to Indian Wells for the first time in five years chasing more history. By the time he exited the tournament in the third round on Monday night, he had made history of a different kind.

The world No 1 arrived in California aiming to win the Masters 1000 tournament for a record sixth time, although his start to the season hardly suggested a player at his incomparable best.

At this stage of the year, Djokovic would usually have a title or two – including his obligatory Australian Open – but he is currently trophyless; his 10th Melbourne Park title defence ended in the semi-finals to eventual champion Jannik Sinner and he skipped all events between then and Indian Wells.

Still, the idea of the 23-time Grand Slam champion losing to a lucky loser in his second match back would seem inconceivable. Yet, that's exactly what happened on Monday as Djokovic fell to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 defeat to Italy's Luca Nardi, who had been beaten in the first round of qualifying by Belgian veteran David Goffin.

Nardi, the world No 123, is the lowest-ranked player to ever beat Djokovic at a Grand Slam or Masters event. History made, just not the kind Djokovic expected to make this week.

"He really didn't have anything to lose, so he played great. Deserved to win. I was more surprised with my level. My level was really, really bad,” Djokovic, 36, said. “These two things come together. He's having a great day; I'm having a really bad day. Results as a negative outcome for me.”

What was most alarming was the manner in which Djokovic struggled in the third set. Having pulled himself level after surprisingly dropping the first set, the top seed failed to impose himself on the match. He struck just two winners in the decider,