Novak Djokovic was shocked by Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2 3-6 6-1 in the second round of Indian Wells as the Serbian suffered an early exit at the hands of a lucky loser for a second consecutive year.
Djokovic fell to lucky loser Luca Nardi of Italy in the California desert last year and history repeated itself a day after top seed Alexander Zverev also went out.
After his withdrawal from Australia, his loss in the opening match at Qatar Open and his stunning defeat to the Dutchman, Djokovic is now on a three-match losing streak.
“You know, things are different obviously for me the last couple of years,” said Djovokic, who hit just 16 winners to 37 unforced errors. “I’ve been struggling to play on the desired level.
“Every now and then, I have a couple of good tournaments, but mostly it’s really a challenge. It’s a struggle for me.
“So it is what it is. I guess nothing can prepare you for that moment, in a sense. You have to experience it and try to deal with it in the best possible way.”
The Serbian came out flat against the tournament lucky loser, who took full advantage of a blizzard of errors from the 24-time Grand Slam champion to capture the first set.
Djokovic raised his level to grab the second but Van de Zandschulp, who lost to Matteo Gigante 7-5 6-0 in the final round of qualifying, refused to back down, running away with the decider before the sold-out crowd.
The Indian Wells courts have been resurfaced this year to make them more in line with the conditions at the Miami Open and US Open and Djokovic said he struggled to read the bounce of the ball.
“Obviously no excuses for a poor performance,” he added. “It doesn’t feel great when you play this way on the court, but congratulations to my opponent. Just a bad day in the office, I guess, for me.
“I regret the level of tennis considering how I practice these days.”
Discussing the court, he said: “The difference between the centre court and the other courts is immense.
“The ball is bouncing on the centre court higher than some of the highest clay courts, to be honest. Just struggled a lot with that. Couldn’t find the rhythm.”
Djokovic is enjoying his relationship with Murray, saying they pair are still getting to know each other in a different way and hopes his new coach will continue to in the role all the way to Wimbledon
Djokovic said he would need to speak to rival-turned-coach Andy Murray before deciding next steps. Prior to his first match he said he would play the second leg of the ‘Sunshine Double’ at the upcoming Miami Open.
“Still haven’t talked with Andy and the team, so going to do that and make a plan,” he said.
In the WTA event, World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka edged out American McCartney Kessler 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 with a single break of serve.
Sabalenka faces unseeded Italian Lucia Bronzetti in the third round on Monday.
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports in 2025 or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
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