Novak Djokovic admits Luca Nardi had 'nothing to lose' after suffering a shock early exit at Indian Wells overnight.
The world No 1 was beaten 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 by the 20-year-old Italian, who has labelled the victory as a 'miracle'.
Nardi is only competing in tennis' unofficial fifth Grand Slam after entering as a 'lucky loser', replacing the injured Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
He was given a bye through the first round and given a daunting clash against childhood idol Djokovic, who had beaten Aleksandar Vukic at the weekend.
Luca Nardi shocked Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells
Getty
Nardi is ranked 123 in the world rankings but was clearly not overawed by the prospect of playing the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
Djokovic looked likely to come back and win after drawing the match level by winning the second set.
But his novice opponent, yet to compete at a tennis major, came through to win the final set 6-3 in impressive style.
Nardi was in shock at his win and says he hopes people now remember his name.
He told the Tennis Channel: "I don't know [how I held my nerve]. This is a miracle.
"I'm a 20-year-old guy, 100 in the world, and beating Novak. So, crazy. Crazy.
"Before this night, no one knew me. I hope now the crowd enjoyed the game. I'm super happy with this one."
Djokovic was competing for the first time since his semi-final loss at the Australian Open to Jannik Sinner.
Nardi says fellow Italian Sinner is inspiring him, adding: "For sure I'm watching Jannik winning all the matches. For sure it's something that pushed me to be better.
"I didn't expect to win today, but I always try to do my best in practice, and this happened and I'm really happy."
Djokovic paid tribute to Nardi's performance, insisting he was the deserved winner.
However, the 36-year-old admits he was well below his usual high standards.
Djokovic reflected: "He got in as a lucky loser' to (the) main draw, so 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.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Luca Nardi beat Novak Djokovic in three sets at Indian Wells
Getty
"That's it, these two things come together. He's having a great day; I'm having a really bad day. Results (are) a negative outcome for me.
"It’s fine. You know, it’s part of the sport. You just have to accept it. Some you win; some you lose. Hopefully I’ll win some more and still keep going.
"I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great, obviously to break the kind of negative cycle a little bit I’m having in the last three, four tournaments where I haven’t really been close to my best."
Djokovic says he will restrict his tournament schedule but expects to play the Miami Open later this month.
He said: "Miami is there, so let's see. I wasn't enjoying not playing the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells and Miami) last couple of years. I really wanted to play.
Novak Djokovic admits he played 'really bad' in the second round at Indian Wells
"I really wanted to come (this year) and I really enjoy being both in Indian Wells and Miami.
"I do play fewer tournaments, so I'm more selective with my schedule.
"Of course it's not a great feeling when you drop out very early in the tournament, and especially here.
"I haven't played (here) in five years. I really wanted to do well. But it wasn't meant to be. We move on."