The five-time champion was stunned 6-7(3), 6-4, 1-6 by the World No. 109 Taro Daniel of Japan.
07:15 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Not the result you would have wanted, but I have no words for how amazing it is to have you back on court. Step by step @DjokerNole, we’re always with you♥️ #NoleFam pic.twitter.com/aLBpEFdwbn
— Sarah Claire (@BerdVolleys) March 11, 2018
07:14 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
One month ago he had a surgery and he is already on the court. It's a proof that he's giving his best. Be proud of yourself @DjokerNole! I am so thank you for everyrhing.
— The King Nole is back! ❤ (@TanjaNole) March 11, 2018
07:14 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
@DjokerNole tennis needs u novak......hope we will see ur best tennis very soon :)
— :!!$$!! (@sivaramprabhuji) March 12, 2018
07:13 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Novak, @DjokerNole, you are an absolute sweetheart.
— JANE 🐊 (@JANE79591745) March 11, 2018
You will come back at a normal, expected pace.
It's great that you tested the waters.
Hang in there & keep working! 🍀👏🏻
07:12 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Hey @DjokerNole! It’ll take time and lot of effort. You know better than we do. I know you’ll keep on going. Magical dust will shine again. Love always 💙 pic.twitter.com/6yBvoYP5qJ
— Zarja (@GZarja) March 11, 2018
07:12 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Genuine soul you will always be @DjokerNole, I love you. Swear I do and I always will. You make the sport what it is... I’m so sad now but I know you’ll be back stronger because that’s the fighter in you that we all know and love. Head up my love. Just seeing you back warms me.
— Meagan (@Meagan_Tennis) March 11, 2018
07:11 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
A very puzzling 3rd set from #Djokovic - showed NOTHING after getting fired up at end of set2. Continues to look pretty lost out there. He’s a very complex cat. I really Hope he can find the way back this year. #BNPPO18
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) March 11, 2018
07:11 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
57 unforced errors from Djokovic in a Best of 3 match. Jeez.
— Jake Davies (@jakedavi5) March 11, 2018
07:09 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
"The Djokovic I know is like the Djokovic I have seen on TV, and he never misses a ball. He puts the ball wherever he wants. Today, obviously he was missing a lot of balls, but, I mean, even then you still have to beat him." - Taro Daniel after his upset
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) March 11, 2018
07:09 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
the fact that people are dumbfounded by Djokovic’s performance today has left me dumbfounded. Like, if you aren’t aware that he has been out due to injury for the last 427 months, you probably shouldn’t be discussing tennis.
— Ricky Dimon (@Dimonator) March 12, 2018
07:08 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Indian Wells still on the 1st week with no Djokovic, Nadal, Wawrinka, Dimitrov, Nishikori, Murray, Goffin, Pouille and Kyrgios
— enrico maria riva (@enricomariariva) March 11, 2018
07:08 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Good to see #YukiBhambri in round 3 of #BNPPO18 3rd round beating #Pouille ranked #9; but disappointed with @DjokerNole exit, though used to hate him when he beat my all time fav @RafaelNadal, players like #Djokovic & #Murray are needed as next gen still in incubation. #VamosNole
— Ravi K V (@rkvvss) March 12, 2018
07:07 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Woah. Taro Daniel gets the biggest win of his career, beats Novak Djokovic 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-1 to reach IW R3.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 11, 2018
That was not a great comeback match Nole. More than 60 UE. Looks like a long way to go for him. pic.twitter.com/jo8LBGHuCS
07:07 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Career best win!@tarodaniel93 upsets 5x champion Novak Djokovic 7-6(3) 4-6 6-1 to reach Indian Wells third round. #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/b7hgqoMCXc
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 11, 2018
07:06 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
“It is what it is...You know, obviously I miss tennis. In one way, I miss competing. I miss being out there. It's a big part of my life...But I was grateful to be out on court that quickly after surgery.” 💬 @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/x1DPxATHm6
— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) March 12, 2018
07:06 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Looking nothing like Novak Djokovic, Novak Djokovic capitulating to Taro Daniel, now down 1-5 in the third. Far more questions than answers today...
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) March 11, 2018
07:06 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
"For me it felt like (the) first match I ever played on the tour. Very weird. I mean, I just completely lost rhythm." --Novak Djokovic #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/bBTgkUHhIv
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 11, 2018
07:05 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Unforced errors all over! From 5-2 up in the set, Novak Djokovic loses the set 6-7(3-7).
— Prashant Paul (@PrashantSport) March 11, 2018
07:05 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Novak Djokovic is another who needs time. He says his 3 set defeat to Taro Daniel, in his 1st match since elbow surgery and 2nd event since Wimbledon, felt like “the first match I ever played on tour.”
— Russell Fuller (@russellcfuller) March 11, 2018
07:04 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Is it fair to say that for a while, beating Novak Djokovic may not REALLY be the biggest wins of these guys’ lives?
— Phil (@real_avocados) March 11, 2018
07:04 (GMT)12 MAR 2018
Taro Daniel after beating Novak Djokovic "2 weeks ago I lost in qualifying and I was crying after the match wondering what was going on"
— Nick Lester (@nicklester) March 11, 2018