ATP Indian Wells: Rusty Novak Djokovic falls to Botic van de Zandschulp

Novak Djokovic is not going to chase his sixth Indian Wells title this yr. Much like 2024, the 24-time Main winner fell to a fortunate loser within the second spherical, with Botic van de Zandschulp incomes a notable 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory in two hours and one minute.

Novak got here to Indian Wells following an early defeat in Doha and prolonged his dropping streak, taking part in method under his finest and hoping for a greater run in Miami. Botic entered the draw as a fortunate loser and booked his place within the final 32 after ousting Nick Kyrgios and Djokovic.

The Dutchman made a promising begin in opposition to the five-time winner and dominated the decider to emerge on the high in fashion.

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 9, 2025

The Dutchman took 21 factors greater than the Serb. They didn’t play nicely behind the primary serve, and Novak struggled behind the second massive time! The veteran took seven of 24 factors and confronted eight break factors. He misplaced serve 5 instances to hit the exit door.

Van de Zandschulp defended the second serve beautifully, dropping serve two instances within the second set however controlling the tempo in different two. A fortunate loser tamed his strokes properly and hit 26 winners and 25 unforced errors. Novak fired 16 winners, 14 from his forehand.

Botic van de Zandschulp & Novak Djokovic, Indian Wells 2025© Stream screenshot

Nonetheless, he additionally sprayed 37 unforced errors, largely from the talked about forehand wing. Botic led 24-13 in service winners and outplayed the legend from the baseline en path to a rock-solid victory. The Dutchman took cost within the opening set.

He offered 4 comfy holds and delivered dominant breaks in video games three and 5 for an enormous lead. He closed the set on his serve in recreation eight for an early benefit after half an hour. Djokovic raised his stage within the second set.

He produced three fantastic holds and broke within the second recreation for a 4-1 benefit. The Serb broke once more in recreation six and served for the set at 5-1. Botic pulled one break again and decreased the deficit to 5-3 earlier than Novak held in recreation 9 to introduce a decider.

Van de Zandschulp made a recent begin and offered 4 holds. Djokovic couldn’t comply with that tempo. The 37-year-old skilled back-to-back breaks in video games 4 and 6, discovering himself 5-1 behind. Botic served for the win in recreation seven and welcomed Novak’s forehand error to emerge on the high.