Novak Djokovic stunned again: Lucky loser Van de Zandschulp sends him packing in Indian Wells
ATP
Novak Djokovic couldn't get past Botic van de Zandschulp, losing 2-6, 6-3, 1-6, extending his rough patch with a second consecutive opening-round defeat. The 5-time Indian Wells champion fell short once again, exiting a Masters 1000 event in his debut match for the second time in the last seven seasons.
The Serbian had already shown signs of inconsistency despite stating that he felt physically prepared for the first Masters 1000 of the season. It wasn't a bad draw for Djokovic, who faced lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp (No. 85).
Djokovic had a match to forget, far from his best level. Not only was this his second consecutive opening-round loss, but it was also the second time he was eliminated in Indian Wells by a lucky loser, following his defeat to Luca Nardi in 2024. The Serbian, a 5-time champion at Tennis Paradise, has yet to rediscover his form at the first Masters 1000 of the year.
In this match, Djokovic had a 67% first-serve percentage, winning 63% of those points. However, his biggest issue was on second serve, where he won just 29% compared to Van de Zandschulp’s commanding 60%. Errors defined Djokovic’s performance, as he failed to take the initiative against the Dutchman.
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In the first set, Nole suffered two consecutive breaks and was already down 1-4 and two breaks behind within 20 minutes. Van de Zandschulp remained solid on serve and closed out the set 6-2. At one point in the set, the Dutchman won 13 consecutive points against Djokovic.
Although Djokovic managed to fight back and take the second set 6-3, it wasn’t enough for a comeback. While the third set started evenly at 1-1, Djokovic never regained control, and Van de Zandschulp secured the victory 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 after two hours and two minutes.
The world No. 75, who has now defeated both Nick Kyrgios and Djokovic, will face Argentina’s 25th seed Francisco Cerúndolo in the third round, aiming for a spot in the Indian Wells Round of 16.
Match Statistics Djokovic vs. Van de Zandschulp
| Djokovic | VS | Van de Zandschulp |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 0 | Aces | 4 |
| 3 | Double Faults | 4 |
| 67% (49/73) | 1st Service Percentage | 71% (58/82) |
| 63% (31/49) | 1st Service Points Won | 60% (35/58) |
| 29% (7/24) | 2nd Service Points Won | 71% (17/24) |
| 38% (3/8) | Break Points Saved | 50% (2/4) |
| 58% (7/12) | Service Games | 83% (10/12) |
| Return | ||
| 40% (23/58) | 1st Return Points Won | 37% (18/49) |
| 29% (7/24) | 2nd Return Points Won | 71% (17/24) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 2h 02m | Match Duration | 2h 02m |
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