Novak Djokovic Knocked Out of Indian Wells – What Now for Serb?
Indian Wells
March 12, 2024
Novak Djokovic has been knocked out of Indian Wells by a lucky loser.
And there must now be doubts about his time at the top beyond 2024.
Most experts have claimed Djokovic will go on for years. They reckon he’ll make sure he beats Jimmy Connors’ record 109 ATP titles.
But here at WDH we have never been quite so confident in Novak’s ability to defy time forever.
Novak Djokovic could play his last Championships on grass at Wimbledon 2024. Now is the time to make sure you see the ultimate legend at the home of tennis while you still can.
Of course, Djokovic could recover his form and become a world-beater again before we know it. His 98 ATP singles titles could turn into that elusive 110 after all. We could be wrong.
And we are happy to join everyone else in celebrating the extraordinary talent and determination of the best player the world has ever seen.
But we have always been cautious about suggesting he will play Wimbledon 2025 or 2026. This really could be the last time.
We have been calling Wimbledon 2024 the now-or-never Championships for some time now.
And there’s a reason for that. We don’t want you to miss superstars like Novak Djokovic and Sir Andy Murray while there’s still a chance to see them at the glorious All England Club.
We don’t want tennis fans to think: ‘Ah well – I’ll get round to it next year.’
For these treasured gladiators, there may be no “next year” on Centre Court.
Our advice is buy Centre Court debenture seats now – and cherish the greats while you still can.
Back to what happened at Indian Wells. An Italian 20-year-old called Luca Nardi was able to hit 34 winners against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
The world number 123 romped to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win. ‘It’s crazy,’ he said afterwards. ‘It’s a miracle for me to beat Novak.’
And yet Djokovic defeats are not quite as rare as they used to be. ‘No titles this year,’ he reflected sadly. ‘That’s not something I’m used to.
‘Hopefully I’ll win some more and keep going. I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great, to break the negative cycle a little bit.
‘In the last three or four tournaments I haven’t been close to my best.’
If that becomes the norm, don’t expect Novak to hang around as long as Andy Murray has.
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray should command all our love and respect at Wimbledon 2024. They have brought us so many moments of sheer joy. And this could be the last time.
Will you join us at Wimbledon 2024 for all the gladiatorial action at the most historic venue in world sport?
We can fix you up with tickets for your chosen day(s). Just drop our friendly staff a line.
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