Novak Djokovic was shocked by Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2 3-6 6-1 within the second spherical of Indian Wells because the Serbian suffered an early exit by the hands of a fortunate loser for a second consecutive yr.
Djokovic fell to fortunate loser Luca Nardi of Italy within the California desert final yr and historical past repeated itself a day after high seed Alexander Zverev additionally went out.
After his withdrawal from Australia, his loss within the opening match at Qatar Open and his gorgeous defeat to the Dutchman, Djokovic is now on a three-match shedding streak.
“, issues are completely different clearly for me the final couple of years,” mentioned Djovokic, who hit simply 16 winners to 37 unforced errors. “I have been struggling to play on the specified degree.
“From time to time, I’ve a few good tournaments, however largely it is actually a problem. It is a battle for me.
“So it’s what it’s. I suppose nothing can put together you for that second, in a way. It’s important to expertise it and attempt to take care of it in the absolute best method.”
The Serbian got here out flat in opposition to the event fortunate loser, who took full benefit of a blizzard of errors from the 24-time Grand Slam champion to seize the primary set.
Djokovic raised his degree to seize the second however Van de Zandschulp, who misplaced to Matteo Gigante 7-5 6-0 within the closing spherical of qualifying, refused to again down, operating away with the decider earlier than the sold-out crowd.
The Indian Wells courts have been resurfaced this yr to make them extra in keeping with the situations on the Miami Open and US Open and Djokovic mentioned he struggled to learn the bounce of the ball.
“Clearly no excuses for a poor efficiency,” he added. “It does not really feel nice while you play this fashion on the court docket, however congratulations to my opponent. Only a unhealthy day within the workplace, I suppose, for me.
“I remorse the extent of tennis contemplating how I observe today.”
Discussing the court docket, he mentioned: “The distinction between the centre court docket and the opposite courts is immense.
“The ball is bouncing on the centre court docket larger than a number of the highest clay courts, to be sincere. Simply struggled so much with that. Could not discover the rhythm.”
Djokovic mentioned he would wish to talk to rival-turned-coach Andy Murray earlier than deciding subsequent steps. Previous to his first match he mentioned he would play the second leg of the ‘Sunshine Double’ on the upcoming Miami Open.
“Nonetheless have not talked with Andy and the group, so going to do this and make a plan,” he mentioned.
Prime seed Sabalenka examined
Highlights of Aryna Sabalenka in opposition to McCartney Kessler at Indian Wells
Within the WTA occasion, World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka edged out American McCartney Kessler 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.
The Belarusian was in full command of her formidable serve and by no means confronted a break level whereas crushing six aces and profitable 90 per cent of her first serve factors.
She sealed the win with a pair of deft backhand volleys on match level to arrange a gathering with unseeded Italian Lucia Bronzetti within the third spherical on Monday.
Watch the ATP and WTA Excursions, in addition to the US Open in New York, stay on Sky Sports activities in 2025 or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra stay sport this yr at no further value. Discover out extra right here.
