Top journalist warns Novak Djokovic that his ‘aura is fading’ after he crashes out of Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic lost three matches on the trot for the first time since 2018 after he fell to Botic van de Zandschulp at Indian Wells.

Top journalist warns Novak Djokovic that his ‘aura is fading’ after he crashes out of Indian Wells

Novak Djokovic (Image via X)

Novak Djokovic‘s aura is fading, believes French tennis journalist Benoit Maylin. The 24-time Grand Slam champion recently suffered another early exit – this time, at Indian Wells.

In the ongoing ATP Masters 1000 event, even though Djokovic was not the favorite to win, he at least was expected to make a deep run. But that wasn’t the case as Botic van de Zandschulp registered his eighth top-10 win by knocking out the five-time Indian Wells champion with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 scoreline.

YouTube video

It was Djokovic’s third consecutive defeat on the tour, which happened for the first time since 2018. Before the California desert, Djokovic was forced to call off his Australian Open semifinal match and was eliminated in the Doha opener by Matteo Berrettini.

FS Video

He will turn 38 in May this year and is expected to hang up his racket sooner rather than later. But Maylin believes that what Djokovic wants more is one more Grand Slam title before he calls time on his illustrious career.

Yes, Djokovic is suffering. Third defeat in a row. His margin is shrinking. His aura is fading. And it wasn’t good against Botic. But there is only one plan, one goal: to win a Grand Slam. It’s risky. But that’s the bet of a legend. To finish in style. The rest is just preparatory.

Benoit Maylin wrote on X

Check out his post here:

Botic van de Zandschulp was confident going into his match against Novak Djokovic

The players who Novak Djokovic used to beat without breaking a sweat, are not afraid of him anymore, it seems. The fact that he lost to a lucky loser in last year’s Indian Wells second round and suffered an early exit in the Qatar Open was in lucky loser Botic van de Zandschulp’s mind as it gave him confidence that he could upset the tennis great.

Novak Djokovic, Botic van de Zandschulp (2)
Novak Djokovic, Botic van de Zandschulp (Image via X)

Yeah, of course, you see there are possibilities. I’m not really thinking about that he didn’t win a tournament since the Olympics. Yeah, the last time I won a tournament, I have to go way back. Didn’t really think about it. But yeah, still helps you, like, also you saw him in Doha, he lost to Berrettini.

Botic van de Zandschulp said at the press conference

It was Van de Zandschulp’s first back-to-back main draw win this season. He is scheduled to lock horns with Francisco Cerundolo in the third round on Monday (March 10).

Djokovic, on the other hand, is expected to make his comeback at the Miami Open. He is on the entry lift but has not yet decided whether to participate or not. Djokovic had skipped last year’s Miami Open.