Novak Djokovic experienced an early Indian Wells loss for the second straight year. The five-time champion faced a lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round and suffered a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 loss in two hours and one minute.
Thus, the 24-time Major winner notched his third consecutive defeat and extended his poor run in the desert that has been on since 2017. Novak did not want to seek excuses for his poor performance and a bad day at the office.
However, he explained what made him uncomfortable on Stadium 1. Djokovic highlighted the difference between the main court and the smaller ones. He also reflected on the ball bounce that made him struggle.
The best moments from Botic van de Zandschulp’s 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 upset against five-time champion Novak Djokovic in Indian Wells. 🎾#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/CzUWbiGk23
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) March 9, 2025
The legend finished the duel with 16 winners and 37 unforced errors, playing poorly in sets one and three. He hit only 13 service winners and failed to match the rival’s pace from the baseline. Novak played against eight break points and gave serve five times.
Van de Zandschulp collected 21 points more than world no. 1 and made the difference behind the second serve. The Dutchman landed 26 winners and 25 unforced errors, taming his strokes nicely and enjoying the conditions, unlike the Serb.
Botic served well in the opener and provided a double break in 18 minutes. He closed the set with a hold in game eight and earned an early boost. Novak raised his level in the second set, providing two breaks and firing a forehand winner in game nine for 6-3.
Instead of building on that, the veteran lost the ground again in the decider. Van de Zandschulp rattled off five games in the final set, moving over the top and earning a notable victory.
“There’s always something, but I do not want to discuss that. There should be no excuses for poor performance. It does not feel great to compete at this level, but I have to congratulate my opponent. It was a bad day at the office for me after practicing well these days.
Honestly, the difference between the center court and the smaller ones is immense. The ball is bouncing higher than at many clay courts. It made me struggle and kept me away from the desired rhythm,” Novak Djokovic said.
