Novak Djokovic suffered a bitter defeat against Botic Van de Zandschulp in the second round of Indian Wells 2025 on March 9 in the US and the Serbian tennis player received a sad milestone in his career.
Botic Van De Zandschulp is known as the “giant destroyer” and he once eliminated Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open. However, many people were surprised when the Dutch player defeated Djokovic in the second round of Indian Wells 2025.
Against the world No. 85 player, Djokovic lost 2-6 in the first set. A remarkable effort in the second set helped Nole win 6-3. It seemed that Djokovic had revived and had a chance to win, but his physical decline caused the Serbian player to lose 1-6, saying goodbye to the Indian Wells Masters 2025 early.
Novak Djokovic has lost three consecutive matches for the first time in seven years. Before falling to Botic Van de Zandschulp, Nole lost to Zverev in the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2025 and was defeated by Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the Qatar Open 2025.
Obviously, the burden of age is making it difficult for Djokovic to find his first ATP title since the ATP Finals in November 2023. The tournaments that Djokovic needs to focus on next are the Miami Open, Monte Carlo Masters, Madrid Open, Rome Masters and Roland Garros.
The last time Djokovic suffered a streak of three consecutive losses was in 2018, 2,542 days ago. At that time, Djokovic was eliminated in the fourth round of the Australian Open and lost in the opening match at Indian Wells, Miami Open.
After being eliminated at Indian Wells 2025, Djokovic shared: “The difference between the main court and the practice courts is huge. The ball bounces much higher on the center court, even higher than on clay. This makes it difficult for me to find the necessary rhythm of play.
The Indian Wells Masters organizers replaced Plexipave with the Laykold brand for this year’s tournament, which is also used at the Miami Open and US Open. However, Nole did not blame the court for his defeat.
The Serbian commented: “My situation now is very different from the past few years. I know that but I am still very disappointed. I have a hard time not being able to compete at the level I want.
In many tournaments I played well, but in most other events I struggled with myself. It is a problem I have to go through and try to solve in the best way possible.”
Exciting Indian Wells tennis day 5: Rune makes a breathtaking comeback, Musetti loses painfully
Coach Amorim regrets not winning against Arsenal, sends promise to MU fans
MU – Arsenal: 2 eye-catching masterpieces (Premier League)
Real Madrid soars thanks to Mbappe – Vinicius, “breathing hot air” into Barcelona
Amorim unexpectedly has Mourinho’s style, MU – Arsenal deserves the title of “great battle”