Indian Wells (US), Mar 12 (IANS): Japan's Taro Daniel, ranked 109th in the world, created a major upset at the Indian Wells tennis tournament, beating former World No.1 Serbian Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic, who returned to the tournament following his elbow operation was yet to come to his best shape. Appearing in his second tournament in the last nine months, the Serbian lacked pace, was slow and without confidence during Sunday's encounter, reports Efe.

Djokovic was defeated by the enthusiasm of his rival, who did not miss the unique opportunity to win the game during the first time they played against each other.

Daniel, without any major wins on his record, beat Djokovic 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-1 after two-and-half hours of torment for the Serbian, who gave the feeling of not being comfortable on the court at all.

Five-time champion in Indian Wells -- in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016, and finalist in 2007, Djokovic reappeared at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year but lost in the second round. He then decided to stop and have an operation to heal his elbow injury.

Daniel, meanwhile, will face the winner of the match between the Belgian Ruben Bemelmans and the Argentine Leonardo Mayer in the third round.