For more than a decade, Novak Djokovic has been dominating on the tennis court. The World No. 1 is entering his 416th week at the top of the ATP rankings, emerging from an era when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were the main forces in tennis. Although holding his own against today’s young guns, the Serbian’s recent performances are coming under fan scrutiny, especially after his loss against low-ranked Italian Luca Nardi at Indian Wells.

After one of the longest reigns near the top of tennis, could this mark the end of the era for the world number 1? Some wild stats that have emerged suggest that this is the worst possible start that Djokovic has experienced since the 2011-12 season.

Embarrassing stats emerge from Novak Djokovic’s loss to Luca Nardi

In a match where the Serbian was a clear favorite to win, an expected loss crept up on Novak Djokovic. Going to three sets, it was the Italian who came out on top and made headlines, having entered Indian Wells as a ‘lucky loser’. Stepping into unfamiliar territory, the Serbian is beginning the year with no titles or trophies.

2024 has been the worst-ever start to the Djoker’s career. After 2011, the 36-year-old has managed to bag either the Australian Open title or the Indian Wells title every year (ignoring the 2017 season where he suffered from an injury in the elbow, and the 2022 season where he did not play in either of the two events). This year hasn’t been the ideal start he hoped for.

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This could very well indicate that age has finally caught up with the dominating Serb. Talking about his stats for this season, Djokovic has managed to keep an 8-3 win record this year, which is again, not his best. With the Miami Open already on the horizon, will the Serbian be able to bounce back?

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Interestingly, he has lost both his matches in major tournaments that he has played this year against Italians, which is another interesting fact.

Djokovic’s Italian tale of woe

The Serbian, who is clearly one of the forces to be dealt with on the ATP tour, has found it difficult to make his way past the Italians. Ever since the start of last year, some staggering stats have emerged that justify the statements made. Since 2023, Djokovic has managed to keep a score of 62-5 against non-Italian players.

However, in the same time period, when it comes to the Italian players, he has managed to win just 2 matches and suffered five defeats against them.

While he has not entered the new year in the best of ways, he will be looking to find his old form back at the Miami Open. Having been at the top for years now, is it time for him to step down? Or will he prove everyone wrong and maintain his top-tier position?