- Tennis’ World No. 1 suffered a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 defeat to the unheralded Luca Nardi
- The last time Djokovic was defeated by a low-ranked player was in Miami in 2008
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Novak Djokovic has been spotted soaking up the sun as he enjoyed a beach day with friends after withdrawing from the Miami Open due to scheduling conflicts, just a week after his shock loss at Indian Wells.
The 36-year-old world number 1 proved age is just a number when he appeared shirtless on Miami Beach on Monday, showing off his toned physique without wearing a gray undershirt over a navy blue swimsuit.
He also wore a silver chain and chic white sunglasses to complete his look, while also making sure he didn’t get sunburned.
Djokovic – the record holder for the most Grand Slam titles in men’s singles history (24) – even had time to pose for a few snaps with fans, when the tennis star was asked by a random person to take a photo with him was allowed to leave the white sand.
However, the right-handed Serbian’s wife and high school sweetheart Jelena was nowhere to be seen, along with their son and daughter.
Novak Djokovic was on Miami Beach on Monday, two days after withdrawing from the Miami Open
The world number 1 took his straw bag to the beach, as he showed several times on his phone
Djokovic, 35, took some vitamin D while soaking up the sun on the ever-so-clear Miami waters
The record holder for most Grand Slam victories in men’s tennis even chatted with friends
He proved that age is just a number by showing off his muscular physique in a blue swimsuit
Djokovic’s latest public appearance comes after his shock withdrawal from the Miami Open was announced on Saturday.
He told fans via his social media accounts that he would not play in Florida following his 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 defeat to the unheralded Luca Nardi on Monday in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open ( Indian Wells).
‘At this stage of my career I am trying to balance my private and professional schedule. I’m sorry I won’t experience some of the best and most passionate fans in the world,” Djokovic wrote.
Djokovic completed his beach fit with a gray undershirt and chic sunglasses
On her way from the white sands of Miami, the tennis star was approached by a local fan to take a photo’
Happy to oblige, Djokovic, who lost at Indian Wells, stopped to make sure the fan got his snap
Another fan approached the right-handed Serbian as Djokovic was on his way to the exit
But once again, The Joker showed why he is loved by so many by amiably posing for the photo
Nardi, who is that? ranked at number 123become the lowest-ranked player to defeat Djokovic in a Grand Slam or ATP Masters 1000 event, surpassing No. 122 Kevin Anderson in 2008 in Miami.
The 20-year-old Italian entered the field as a “lucky loser”, that is, a player who encountered the final hurdle in qualifying, but made it into the main draw as a replacement for an injured player who withdrew before the first round.
The 36-year-old Djokovic is a six-time champion in Miami.
The hard court tournament starts on Wednesday.