In Pictures: Novak Djokovic-conqueror Luca Nardi dyes his hair blue following his Napoli Tennis Cup triumph in honor of local football team

Luca Nardi, who defeated Novak Djokovic, marked his victory at the Napoli Tennis Cup by dyeing his hair blue as a nod to the nearby football club, SSC Napoli.

Nardi, who had qualified for the 2024 Indian Wells Masters, pulled off a major upset in the third round by defeating Djokovic with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Despite his impressive performance, the Italian’s BNP Paribas Open journey came to an end in the following round when he was beaten by the home crowd favorite, Tommy Paul, with a score of 6-4, 6-3.

At the 2024 Napoli Tennis Cup in Naples, Luca Nardi participated in the Association of Tennis Professionals Challenger Tour. He kicked off his journey with wins against Jozef Kovalík (6-3, 6-3) and Matteo Martineau (7-6(4), 6-1) in the initial two rounds.

In the quarterfinals, the Italian maintained his winning streak by defeating his compatriots Matteo Gigante with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. He then continued his impressive performance in the semifinals, defeating Francesco Passaro 3-6, 7-5, 6-1. In the championship match, Nardi secured the title by defeating Pierre-Hugues Herbert with a score of 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-2.

Tennis journalist Mario Boccardi disclosed that Nardi had made a daring vow to dye his hair blue in honor of his beloved football team, SSC Napoli, if he emerged victorious at the Napoli Tennis Cup. This promise was made prior to the final match.

“Luca Nardi won the Challenger in Naples, an Italian city whose football team’s color is blue. Luca supports Naples team and is very attached to the city also for family reasons. Before the tournament he said: “If I win the title here I’ll dye my hair blue.”We are waiting! 👀, “Boccardi posted on X (formerly on Twitter).

Remaining true to his promise, Nardi surprised and thrilled fans by temporarily dyeing his hair blue during the trophy ceremony. The ATP Challenger Tour’s official social media accounts also captured and shared a few photos of the World No. 75 sporting his new hair color.

Luca Nardi reflects on his historic victory against Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells

After defeating Novak Djokovic at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Luca Nardi expressed his joy and described the victory as an “incredible feeling.”He also stated that it was a dream come true for him.

The Italian’s belief was that his lack of exposure to Djokovic’s playing style gave him the upper hand in their third-round match, ultimately contributing to his victory.

“Amazing feeling. I couldn’t even imagine to play a match against him and now I also beat him. So it’s such a dream come true for me. Before the match, I’m 20 years old and we are out watching him play. I have watched his matches for 10 years. The only advantage that I had was that he didn’t see me ever play,” Luca Nardi said [via ATPTour.com].

Upon reflecting on his victory, Luca Nardi stressed the importance of defeating Novak Djokovic, whom he regards as “the greatest player of all time”. He also conveyed that the triumph would forever hold a special place in his memories.

“After the match my coaches told me, ‘Luca, everyone was cheering for you’. [It is] incredible. Against Djokovic, he’s the best player ever. I will keep this moment for me for the rest of my life,” he added.