Novak Djokovic continues unwanted record at Indian Wells after losing to Botic van de Zandschulp
ATP
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic has had a disappointing outing at Indian Wells, where he suffered a second-round exit. The former world number one lost to Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.
It was not the first time when Djokovic suffered a shocking defeat at the Indian Wells. The 37-year-old, who is regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles, has suffered four out of his five worst defeats in terms of the ranking of his opposition while playing at the Indian Wells.
The opponent he lost to on Saturday is currently ranked world number 85. He lost to Luca Nardi of Italy, who was world number 123 while playing at the Indian Wells in 2024. In 2018, he lost to world number 109 Daniel Altmaier, whereas in 2006, he lost to world number 88 Julien Benneteau. Talking after the contest, Djokovic admitted that he is struggling to play at a desired level in ATP events.
“You know, things are different obviously for me the last couple of years. I've been struggling to play on the desired level,” said Djokovic.
“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 first three games, four games of the third set were quite close. Had my chances. Was just some awful mistakes.
"I thought I was on most of these points in the beginning of the third. I don't know, when I reflect on this match, obviously I'll see a little bit more what I could have done more, but… he played some really good points to break my serve. But just putting myself in that position, I shouldn't allow myself to do that.”
Read also
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Oh for the love of all that us good Rublev...GO GET SOME THERAPY!!!Rapunzel08-03-2025
- Until Kygrios repents of his despicable behaviour towards Sinner on social media, he will continue to rack up injuries and he will NOT win another match.Rapunzel06-03-2025
- Now Raducanu is relegated to "training sessions" with event promoters?
mandoist02-03-2025 - What a poor video from WTA Ventures.MrAndreeva28-02-2025
- There's been no medical statement. Just players who ate at the same place. There's more to diarrhea attacks than just food when you're in Mexico.mandoist27-02-2025
- Send this guy back to Shakira. Ah no. Too late. She dumped him.MrAndreeva27-02-2025
- Dealing with mental issues and various instabilities is up to the person and those surrounding them to deal with; not the public. BTW: Such fragile personalities should never be anywhere near anti-Social Media... and apparently plastic chairs.mandoist25-02-2025
- FWIW: Ending a public farewell with a line like, "Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in your future endeavors," is a corporate Tool used by those whom had/have alternative reasons they do not wish to reveal.mandoist24-02-2025
- Lena does not need a special coach. She is not the same person she once was. Look at your photos -- when is the last time you saw that smile and sparkle in her eyes? When is the last time you saw her family in attendance? I believe it was once this season; sister Ana accompanied her to Australia. Perhaps Lena needs time away from tennis; time with professional help? If nothing else, her family should hold an intervention to snap her out of the hold Vukov has on her. It's sad to watch her lose matches she should be winning. Sadder still to see her vacuous facial expressions.mandoist24-02-2025
- Thank you, Boris!! Finally someone speaking common sense!! I am so sick of the stupid, ignorant comments by the players who have not READ THE FACTS!!!Rapunzel18-02-2025
