Novak Djokovic has misplaced three matches in a row for the primary time in seven years, with the 24-time grand slam champion crashing out of Indian Wells with a three-set loss to fortunate loser Botic van de Zandschulp.
The 37-year outdated has endured a difficult begin to 2025, sensationally retiring after shedding the primary set of his Australian Open semi-final in opposition to Alexander Zverev as a consequence of a hamstring harm, then shedding his first match on the Qatar Open to Matteo Berrettini.
His efficiency within the California desert, at one in every of world tennis’ most prestigious tournaments exterior the 4 grand slams, was his most regarding but, hitting 37 unforced errors to lose 2-6, 6-3, 1-6 to the unheralded Dutchman.
Including to the humiliation for Djokovic, van de Zandschulp was solely in the principle draw of the match as a fortunate loser, having misplaced in qualifying earlier than his first-round match in opposition to Nick Kyrgios noticed the Australian retire with a wrist harm.
It marks the primary time since 2018 Djokovic has misplaced three matches in a row, and having fallen to seventh on the ATP Rankings, appears to be like set to fall even additional, although his factors loss from the shock exit might be minimal having misplaced within the third spherical of the 2024 Indian Wells match – additionally to a fortunate loser in Luca Nardi.
Tennis commentator Jose Morgado described Djokovic’s efficiency as ‘soooo unhealthy’ and ‘powerful to look at’.
Djokovic expressed ‘remorse’ for his poor efficiency, laying among the blame on the distinction in courtroom situations on centre courtroom in comparison with the remainder of the precinct.
“To be sincere, the distinction between the middle courtroom and the opposite courts is immense,” he mentioned.
“Ball is bouncing on the middle courts increased than among the highest clay courts.”
Djokovic secured a long-coveted Olympic gold medal in 2024, but it surely was the one match he gained in an in any other case difficult season that noticed him fail to assert a grand slam title for simply the second 12 months since 2010.
Ranked No.1 on the earth in the beginning of the 12 months he dropped to seventh by the top of 2024.
Ought to both Stefanos Tsitsipas or Australian Alex de Minaur, at the moment eighth and ninth within the rankings, attain the Indian Wells remaining, they are going to leapfrog the veteran.
De Minaur’s likelihood is additional boosted by Djokovic’s loss, given he was set to play the Serbian nice within the fourth spherical ought to each have made it via.
In the meantime, van de Zandschulp, who has now defeated Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in a formidable final six months, will tackle twenty fifth seed Francisco Cerundolo within the third spherical as he goals to equal his best-ever run at a Masters 1000 match.
